Conference Preview: OK Gold

<p>South Christian returns several key pieces from a team that won the Gold narrowly over Grand Rapids Christian a season ago. Will this be the year junior guard Kobe Bufkin breaks through and proves to be the top guard in the area? Let's dive into what will be an exciting race in the OK Gold Conference. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>All-Conference First Team:</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Kobe Bufkin</span></strong></p> <p>6'4" Guard</p> <p>Grand Rapids Christian, 2021</p> <p>There might not be more hype surrounding any junior in the area than there is around Grand Rapids Christian's Kobe Bufkin. Kobe is a knock-down shooter who can get his shot up using a lethal jab-step or quick crossover to blow by defenders. Kobe is still developing into his frame, but it's apparent his athleticism and skillset are the main reasons why he's gaining interest from Division I programs. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Menalito McGee</span></strong></p> <p>5'8" Guard</p> <p>Wyoming, 2020</p> <p>Menalito returns for his senior season looking to lead a Wyoming squad to new heights. Menalito isn't afraid to shoot it, and when he does it often results in positives for the Wolves. Menalito can shoot it off the dribble and in spot-up situations, which was on full display in a game against Ottawa Hills last season when he made six threes.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Adam Rearick</span></strong></p> <p>6'4" Wing</p> <p>South Christian, 2020</p> <p>After falling in the State Quarterfinals a season ago, South Christian brings back several key pieces ready to make another deep run in March. One of those impact players is senior wing, Adam Rearick. Adam does a great job rebounding for the Sailors, as he typically finds himself in the right situation to do so. His knack for grabbing loose balls and creating transition opportunities for South Christian are traits the Sailors will need to see again to maintain it's spot atop the OK Gold Conference.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Jack Sheridan</span></strong></p> <p>6'5" Forward</p> <p>East Grand Rapids, 2020</p> <p>After ascending to All-Conference status a season ago, Jack Sheridan, now in his senior season, will look to lead East Grand Rapids to new heights in 2019-20, following a disappointing 7-13 season. Standing at 6'5", Jack has the length to bang with the bigs in the post, and he's athletic enough to lock up guards on the perimeter as well. Jack will be counted on for consistent production as the Pioneers are replacing several pieces from a season ago.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Solomon White</span></strong></p> <p>6'1" Guard</p> <p>Forest Hills Eastern, 2021</p> <p>Solomon made a lot of noise in his sophomore season, showing glimpses that he'll be a problem for defenses to guard. Solomon is a smooth-shooting guard and isn't afraid to drive the lane to get a bucket. He has a variety of hesitation moves he uses to get into the lane. Coming off of a Division II All-State Honorable Mention awardee, expect Solomon to take his game to the next level.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Second Team</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Cairo Rhodes</span></strong></p> <p>6'1" Guard</p> <p>Grand Rapids Christian, 2020</p> <p>Cairo is a physically imposing guard who isn't afraid to create contact on his way to the basket. Cairo uses a nice jab-step dribble to create space, which often translates to open shots for either him or his teammates. Expect Cairo's role to expand this season for the Eagles, who are looking for offensive threats to play alongside teammates Kobe Bufkin and  EJ Victory. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">EJ Victory</span></strong></p> <p>6'0 Guard</p> <p>Grand Rapids Christian, 2020</p> <p>A big reason why Grand Rapids Christian was successful last season was the defensive prowess provided by guard EJ Victory. He was used early and often, locking up opposing guards on a nightly basis. His speed and lateral quickness are assets that the Eagles will need once again this season if Grand Rapids Christian hopes to stay atop of the OK Gold Conference.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Marion Parks</span></strong></p> <p>6'0" Guard</p> <p>Wyoming, 2020</p> <p>Marion, alongside teammate Menalito McGee, is the other key returning piece for Wyoming this season. Much like Menalito, Marion is at his best when Wyoming is on the break and running. His ability to knock down perimeter shots in transition is hard to stop, even more so when he gets hot. Marion also can put it on the deck and finish at the rim in transition. Marion's efficiency will be a big factor in the Wolves' success this season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Riley Fields</span></strong></p> <p>5'11" Guard</p> <p>Wayland, 2021</p> <p>Riley heads into his junior season hoping to build off a sophomore campaign that included a lot of clutch shots for Wayland. Running the point for the Wildcats, Riley does a great job finding open teammates in Wayland's half-court sets. Riley is a consistent threat from beyond the arch and can also get after it on the defensive side, which was evident in his many multi-steal games a season ago. Expect Riley's usage to be amplified this season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Tyler Buwalda</span></strong></p> <p>6'0" Guard</p> <p>South Christian, 2020</p> <p>Tyler is another key returning piece from a South Christian squad that went 11-1 in the OK Gold a season ago. Tyler's steady demeanor and ability to control the pace of the game will be key components that the Sailors will rely on heavily this season. His ability to break down his defender and attack the rim without hesitation is a feature of Tyler's game that separates him from other guards in the area. </p>