2023 Rankings: Small Town Stars Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Small town basketball, Class 4A in particular, has produced more than its fair share of talent in recent years. Class of 2023 is no different, as it is filled with college prospects outside of Oklahoma's metropolitan areas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1372133"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A u0022plusu0022 athlete with good size for either guard spot, Sucharda has some traditional smaller school guard traits of leaning on size, strength and natural talents to bully his way past smaller/weaker foes. Throughout the summer, he continued to improve his athleticism with more explosive finishing at the rim. But he's more than an u0022one trick ponyu0022 on the offensive end, he's a good shooter as well. Especially with his ability to work in the midrange. Mix in good rebounding and a dash of playmaking skills, and he's a strong all around guard with collegiate potential.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1211253"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"After sitting behind his older brother and other talented Yellowjackets for his first two years, Ridenour made the most of his opportunity at a bigger role by becoming a huge factor in a new look Kingfisher squad that extended their reign with another Class 4A State Titles The long armed guard is a crafty scorer . His shooting form while slightly unorthodox is becoming more consistent and he should be among the better shooters in Class 4A. Along with being a threat from beyond the arc, he plays stronger than his wiry frame with improved finishing thanks to a nimble slashing style that helps him avoid contact on drives.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1211251"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Mecklenburg has a similar background to the previously mentioned Ridneour as last year's season was his first taste of heavy action for Kingfisher. He flourished as a do it all guard, using his strong frame to be a tough defender and rebounder. Perhaps the most interesting part of his growing game over the last year has been his development as a passer. While not a traditional point guard, Mecklenburg's combo of vision and unselfishness has been a key factor in why his high school and AAU team have had efficient and balanced offenses.  He might not put up the individual stats of others on this list, but winning pedigree and smart play should help the Yellowjacket guard earn collegiate opportunities.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1603536"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"One of Oklahoma's best kept secrets is the explosive forward in Class 3A from Westville, which sits near the Arkansas border in Northeastern Oklahoma. He's a high motor and explosive player who's quick off the floor when it comes to rebounds, defending the rim and of course finishing with authority with slams. With modern basketball becoming somewhat smaller, his size and athleticism alone would make him an interesting small ball 4/5 type at the next level. But he's more than just a physical force around the basket. In one camp setting viewing, he displayed great outlet passing ability and the ability to put the ball on the floor and start the break himself. Along with outstanding quick thinking and vision with u0022touch passesu0022 in the half court. He's capable as a driver and with skill development combined with his overall athleticism hint at the potential to become more of a perimeter player.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eWhile Westville is a hike from Tulsa or Oklahoma City, more viewings are needed because he showed the current traits to be among the very best players in Class 3A this year, along with the talent to a be a target for small colleges of all levels in Oklahoma and the surrounding region.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1603539"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"This Western Oklahoma standout has good size to be a u00223 and Du0022 wing at the next level. Worley is a threat as a spot up floor spacer, but also has shown promise with an improving handle that allows him to have some moves to create space for his own shot off the dribble. Along with the shooting there's some excitement to his game with ability to finish at the rim, plus he has some sneaky good vision as a passer. As his body continues to mature, he'll need to add some strength to his thinner frame for the defensive side of being a u00223 and Du0022 wing at the college level.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit"} /-->