Scouting Report: Norman North, Millwood and Northwest Classen
Get 25% off your subscription by entering Knight25 in the coupon code area. Enjoy! The calendar has turned to November and in Oklahoma that means it is officially scrimmage season for high school basketball teams. Yesterday in Norman saw the…
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The calendar has turned to November and in Oklahoma that means it is officially scrimmage season for high school basketball teams. Yesterday in Norman saw the return to the court for one of Oklahoma’s top prospects, the varsity debut of one the most promising prospects, and more!
Jeremiah Johnson Jeremiah Johnson 6'4" | PG Wasatch Academy Prep Class Of 2024 | 2024 GA , 6’4 Guard, Norman North Class of 2023
It had been over nine months since the elite junior had played following an off the court incident. Despite that time away from competitive events, one thing was clear. His jumper was not rusty. Still with the same pretty form that made him one of the top scorers in Oklahoma, Johnson was hitting from deep and midrange with ease. He went 4-8 from beyond the arc, with a mixture of pull ups and spot up makes. Johnson’s elite handles were also on display as he was often able to get whatever he wanted off the dribble and always looked in control.
One aspect of Johnson’s game that is still returning is his athletic ability. This time last year, the 6 foot 4 guard was assaulting rims in transition, while showing a burst to get by opponents off the dribble. Right now he’s a step slower, which is understandable as he continues the rehabilitation process. Strides are still being made and as he regain his strength, agility and explosiveness, Johnson shapes up to be the best prospect in Oklahoma.
William Mays, 5’11 Guard, Millwood, Class of 2023
The bulldog like lead guard was a pest on the defensive end with quick hands and good instincts. Once he created turnovers, he was quick to turn offense into defense by leading the break. In the halfcourt he showed flashes of creating for others, while also knocking down jumpers when left open. The tenacity and pace he plays with makes Mayes standout as a college prospect even as a smaller guard. But as he continues to fine tune his game and turn into a college prospect, Mayes will need to play with more control and savviness in the halfcourt.
Jaden Nickens, 6’3 Guard, Millwood Class of 2025
It was evident from his first shot, popping up to top of the key off an out of bounds play and drilling the three with a smooth and pretty looking form, that Nickens was more than ready for varsity basketball. He already has a big frame for a player his age, which he showed had power when he attacked the rim. He even threw down a nice transition slam and caught an alley oop, more proof of just how athletic and talented this youngster is. But it was his pure shooting form than was most impressive. The form is quick and compact with good spin. It’s the type of form that makes it feels like every shot is going to end, which it often does.
There’s still so much basketball ahead of the youngster, who already claims offers from Oklahoma State and Auburn, that hyperbolic statements should not be used to describe his potential. There is definitely the baseline for Division One ability there, but continual growth and hunger for the game of basketball will be needed to nurture and development that potential. Still it’s hard not to get excited about the long term potential when seeing his combination of size, athletic ability and skill level. Especially if his performance on Tuesday night was any indication on how his freshman campaign will play out.
Kevin Overton Kevin Overton 6'5" | SG Homeschool | 2022 State OK , 6’3 Guard, Norman North, Class of 2022
It was an up and down afternoon for one of the most talented prospects in Oklahoma’s senior class. There was the good. Quick and strong dribble moves leading to strong finishes at the rim. Moving his feet on defense to draw a big charge. Forcing other turnovers on defense. There was enough flash plays to see why Overton has Division One ability.
The issue was that there were just flashes and not a dominating performance. He settled for contested jumpers, instead of attacking the rim. Turnovers plagued him as well. Which given his combination of strength and size, few players in Oklahoma should be able to keep “KO” out of the paint or turn him over as much as he did. Overton checks a lot of boxes needed to be a contributor at the next level. But becoming a consistent performer, especially as a self motivated player will be crucial for the next stage of his development.
Ben Moser, 6’3 Wing, Norman North Class of 2023
A glue player for the Timberwolves, Moser was very active on the glass. He also showed good offensive movement to get easy points for himself, while also being a willing passer to find teammates. The Timberwolves have high expectations in Oklahoma’s biggest classification and Moser will play a key role as a player that does many of the little things needed for them to win on a nightly basis.
Dontrell Yearby, 6’1 Guard, Northwest Classen, Class of 2024
The Knights of Northwest Classen were a team filled with youngsters and Yearby was one of the standouts for them. He was consistent threat from beyond the arc, with good form and excelled as a catch and shoot weapon. Thanks to an impressive wingspan, he’s also able to finish stronger at the rim than his size would indicate. The basis of a talented guard is there. It will be fun to watch how the skinny Yearby fills out physically and expands his game over the upcoming year.