OSU Team Camp: 2023s taking their Game to the Next Level
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This past Friday in Stillwater saw the opening of Oklahoma State’s team camp. Teams from all over Oklahoma made the trip to Payne County to test themselves and get a chance to play in historic Gallagher Iba Arena. Many 2023s…
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Continue ReadingThis past Friday in Stillwater saw the opening of Oklahoma State’s team camp. Teams from all over Oklahoma made the trip to Payne County to test themselves and get a chance to play in historic Gallagher Iba Arena. Many 2023s were already the top players in the state last year, but Friday proved the depth in this class with new players looking ready to make an impression.
Here’s six players ready to see expanded roles and potentially become stars this winter.
Carter Hjelmstad Carter Hjelmstad 6'5" | SF Edmond Memorial | 2023 State OK , 6’6 Wing-Forward, Edmond Memorial
The Bulldogs are one of the powerhouse programs in the state and even though they graduated much of their offensive production they’re expected to remain a contender in 6A. One of the top candidates to shoulder the load offensively is the inside-outside threat of Hjemlstad. He provided good size and depth last season, but now the versatile senior looks poised to be a big offensive factor. It wasn’t his best three point shooting game in a Friday afternoon contest, but the “catch and shoot” looks he got within the flow of their offensive was encouraging for his potential as a weapon this winter.
One aspect of his game that would be a good improvement would be continuing to refine his perimeter skills and decisiveness. When he has a mismatch in the post he’s eager to solidify position and call for the ball. Having similar confidence at attacking bigger players who are covering on the perimeter would be a big step. There were times on Friday afternoon he had those mismatches and he was slower to attack. His offensive arsenal will be fully unlocked when he quickly recognizes when bigs are playing off that he needs to take the open jumper. Or if they close out that he can go right by them for a high percentage shot at the rim.
Chase Sucharda Chase Sucharda 6'3" | CG Newcastle | 2023 State OK , 6’4 Guard, Newcastle
The Racers are expected to be a contender in Class 4A, especially because of some exciting younger pieces on their roster. But come playoff time, games are often decided by seniors and they have a good one in Sucharda. The senior has next level size and athleticism to be a collegiate guard. While not a traditional point guard, he’s the type of guard to snatch a rebound off the rim or create a steal, and then push it on the break. The tone he set with active defending and rebounding was crucial for a Friday morning victory. In that game he was also able to get to the rim as a slasher in the halfcourt. But needs to become/play stronger as a finisher against size and in traffic.
Connor Dow Connor Dow 6'6" | SF Broken Arrow | 2023 State #252 Nation OK , 6’6 Wing, Broken Arrow
I’ve often had a belief regarding the benefits of national circuits. Oklahoma prospects who are exposed to high level national competition on grassroots tend to thrive back in Oklahoma. Dow is another example of this happening. He broke out of as a junior as a sharpshooter with good size. Dow is still a lights as a shooter, but thanks to his size, athleticism and improved confidence he impacts the game in a multitude of ways.
In a Friday afternoon victory against Del City, Dow was the catalyst for the Tigers on both ends of the court. He hit threes, thrived in transition as a finisher and passer, and made his customary “save two points in transition with hustle” play when he blocked a reverse layup. Dow nearly even completed a poster dunk on one drive. From a high school standpoint, Dow looks ready to star for the expected East Side favorite in Class 6A.
To use another long term belief of mine, if Dow was a prospect in Houston, Kansas City or similar high population area with a similar profile he would be viewed as a player with a chance to play in a Power 5 league. In fact there is a very good comparison point thanks to a recent prospect from Houston, who now plays in the SEC and has a very similar playing profile. Having watched both players at similar points in their high school development, Dow is better than this current SEC player was. Fast forward a month and if the Tiger maintains his all around approach and production to his game, his recruitment will be sky rocketing.
Jamouri McCalister, 6’2 Guard, Del City
Del City was down two key pieces on Friday with two of their top 2023 players in Kansas City for the Midwest Showcase Camp. Picking up the slack for the Eagles was McCalister, who’s experiencing a strong spring on the local grassroots circuit. He’s one of the best pure athletes in the Class of 2023, as even though he’s only 6’2 he legitimately plays around the rim on both ends of the court. He’s a blur in transition and can explode around the rim for an acrobatic layup, dunk or chase down block. The bouncy senior’s overall game is improved as well, with better shooter and ball handling. Nathaniel Goodlow, a fellow Eagle, was one of the top players in Oklahoma as a senior. While not quite as skilled or strong as Goodlow, the similarities between the two Eagles in height, athleticism and motor are now apparent.
Price Bradley, 6’2 Guard, Bishop McGuinness
A crafty ballhandler, Bradley is the focal point of an Irish squad looking to make it back to the Class 5A State tournament for consecutive years. He’s a shifty player with the ball because of skill level and is very adept at getting into the lane and getting defenders off balance to draw fouls. One possible area of improvement will be identifying double teams quicker, and hitting the open man. Because of his strong finishing ability he can at times force some shots that perhaps would be better as opportunities for his teammates. There were some good pick and roll reads, so the promise of being an improved passer and playmaker is there.
O’rian Scales O’rian Scales 5'10" | PG Putnam City West | 2023 OK , 5’10 Guard, Putnam City West
Last year Scales was a gunner from beyond the arc and a key part of the balanced Patriot attack. His shooting ability and overall shot making has him primed for a big senior season. To go along with scoring, the 2023 guard was playing on the ball more on Friday due to an ankle injury to a junior teammate. The increased ball handling and playmaking responsibility is good for the development of the Patriot senior. He was getting into the lane and drawing fouls as well as playing the trademark pesky perimeter defense that seemingly is a requirement to put on a West uniform.