Scouting the State, Standout Seniors 1/14/2022

Scouting the State serves as a more detailed recap of recent players watched in person. This edition is focused on seniors from the tournaments last week at Bartlesville and Bishop McGuinness. Senior Prospect of the Week: [player_tooltip player_id="1164879" first="Aaron" last="Potter"], 6’4 Guard, Booker T Washington At first glance from a longterm potential standpoint, Potter always was an interesting prospect. The 918 product had the measurables with great size and wingspan, along with being a plus athlete. Effort was never a question either, as when he got into games he played like his hair was on fire with constant energy. Perhaps it was because of that constant energy, but inconsistency limited his production from matching his potential. One moment he'd make a dynamic defensive play, but he'd turn it over with a wild pass or driving into traffic. This season, Potter has put all his raw tools together and is one of the top seniors on the east side of the state. He still plays with immense energy, but is more controlled and he's improved as a decision maker. Especially in the halfcourt, as he's now more of threat. To go along with creating for others, he's now an off the dribble scorer and a plus shooter. One of the best aspects of his game is his ability to impact the game without scoring. Against Stillwater he exploded for 20 points in a dynamic first half. In the second half he was quiet, but his fingerprints was left all over the half with steals and assists. The Hornet is a gambler on the defensive end, but he has amazing instincts and is great at disrupting the opposition. His transformation from a raw intriguing high upside prospect, to full court impact player has been one of the most exciting things to watch this high school season. It's difficult for Oklahoma seniors that are unsigned to gain Division One traction during the winter of their senior campaign. The issue has only increased with more D1 programs relaying on transfers from the portal than dipping Still, I've been doing this for over a decade and it's clear to me that Potter has D1 upside for any program looking to add guard depth. In 2014 Union was led to a state title by a similar playing style guard, Shawn Olden. Olden was similarly under-recruited as Potter, and Olden went onto to have a D1 career.   Top Senior Performers [player_tooltip player_id="1010309" first="Will" last="Cain"], 6’6 Forward, Edmond Memorial Edmond Memorial turned an impressive first half from Cain into a double digit halftime lead in their match up last Friday vs Santa Fe. While he has a skinny frame, the senior is unafraid to get down low and mix it up. To go along with the size he brings to the table, he's also comfortable stepping outside as a spot up threat. Cain brings a lot to the table as a player that can contribute in a variety of ways for the balanced Bulldogs. [player_tooltip player_id="1164887" first="Ethan" last="Clark"], 6’0 Guard, Southmoore It’s hard to not be impressed with the consistency of Clark as the fulcrum of the Southmoore attack. He fits the modern bill of a combo guard. Especially with his ability to find open pockets all over the court to take efficient shots. Clark continues to enjoy an impressive senior campaign and would be a great addition to many regional college programs. [player_tooltip player_id="1140501" first="robert" last="gambill"], 6’5 Forward, Choctaw After a sluggish start against Deer Creek, it was Gambill putting on his hardhat and helped Choctaw rally with good scores around the basket. He was held in check the following game in Norman, much for the same reason as his struggles against Putnam City West. Foul trouble. The senior plays with such intensity, that he can be prone to fouling. But it's always better to reign in a player than have to manually turn on the motor. And Gambill is definitely a self starter. Emion Galloway, 6’3 Guard, McLain The lefty is a strong athlete that has the size and raw tools to be a priority for Oklahoma junior colleges. He must continue to develop his off hand to be effective at the next level. But it was clear after one viewing that Galloway has the upside to thrive in the Juco ranks and continue his basketball playing career.   [player_tooltip player_id="1295677" first="Camden" last="Laskie"], 6’5 Forward, Deer Creek An all tournament team member for Deer Creek, Laskie was their leading scorer in their Saturday victory against Bishop McGuinness. In the victory he used his strength and tenacity to muscle around the basket for a combination of putbacks and strong face up moves. High motor play would be the key for this senior to earn small college looks this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id="955382" first="Kevin" last="Overton"], 6’3 Guard, Norman North The senior is the current “tough shot” king of Oklahoma. He thrives in the midrange where he uses his athleticism and size to get off good looks that other players in the state simply can't. From beyond the arc, he excels as a spot up and rhythm shooter. The one small issue in his scoring repertoire, is he can force bad looks off the dribble from deep. While similarly contested looks in the midrange can work for Overton, his efficiency drops significantly when taking those same similar looks from deep. Still, the start of the season has been very strong for Overton, as the strides he's made in his consistency has been very clear. He's another unsigned senior guard in Oklahoma that deserves D1 looks.   [player_tooltip player_id="958417" first="Gabe" last="Seat"], 5’11 Guard, Edmond Memorial Seat has always been a marksman for the Bulldogs. This year he still brings important gravity to the team, but he is also taking up bigger ballhandling responsibilities. While he'll always excel most as a floor spacing threat, he's shown real improvement as ballhandler. He's now able to play a key role in breaking pressure from the opposition. While also more adept at attacking off the dribble when teams overcommit to running him off the line.   [player_tooltip player_id="954194" first="JV" last="Seat"], 6’3 Guard, Edmond Memorial It was a mixed bag in two viewings of the Abilene Christian signing. On Friday, Seat missed a pair of long three pointers, then struggled with finishing inside. He looked a step off, but on Saturday he bounced back with a vintage efficient Seat performance. Bully ball finishes at the rim got him going. Then he continued his offensive efficiency by hitting jumpers in rhythm. Most impressively was how he answered the call defensively. Seat displayed a great understanding of angles and using his strength to his advantage to help neutralize the previously mentioned Overton. The Bulldog senior will never be the quickest player, but he's a smart defender and will find ways to make winning plays at the next level.   Cooper Shepherd, 6’5 Forward, Bishop McGuinness A good athlete, the Irish senior has a strong frame that allowed him to play inside while also good quickness for his size allowing to keep pace with some guards. Foul troubled hampered him in both viewings, but when on the court he displayed an intriguing upside with his raw tools. [player_tooltip player_id="1049318" first="Graham" last="Tawwater"], 6’6 Forward, Bishop McGuinness The most productive Irish player, Tawwater is a skilled face up forward. His ability to stretch the floor with shooting from beyond the arc, opens up driving opportunities for him. Where at the rim he's a strong and crafty finisher. Tanner Williams, 6’1 Guard, Edmond Santa Fe Aggressive and athletic off the bounce, Williams was the catalyst to his programs come from behind Edlam victory last Friday night. He plays with a relentlessness and fearlessness when driving to the rim. He's a good athlete that has good "hang time" which aids him when finishing in traffic.