Scouting the State: Bet on Production
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Production vs Potential. It’s one of the toughest aspects when scouting players. There is importance in a player having the room to grow, because odds are players will be better in their early 20s vs their teenage years. And there…
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Continue ReadingProduction vs Potential. It’s one of the toughest aspects when scouting players. There is importance in a player having the room to grow, because odds are players will be better in their early 20s vs their teenage years. And there is a reality that players mature at different rates, so some players are closer to being tapped out physically as high schoolers. Still with only a few weeks left in their high school careers, there is strong merit that production should take a heavier weight when evaluating prospect. Some of the production might not be a clean translation to the next level. But the potential to carve out a niche and a role for a college program is there for all the prospects on this list.
Games Watched: at Kingfisher, vs Bishop McGuinnessrnNewcastle is a riser in Class 4A thanks to an exciting underclassmen, but one constant for the Racers over recent years has been the now 1,000 point scorer. There are some “stereotypical” small town “bully ball” aspects to his game as he thrives in transition and hits the glass hard. But his height, improving playmaking, and ability to work in the midrange show that he has the traits to translate to be a productive collegiate player. On the year, Sucharda is averaging 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.
Games Watched: Mustang Holiday ClassicrnThe lefty is starting to gain college momentum as one of the top “JuCo” recruits in the state, while also racking up wins for the top ranked Titans. While not a high flyer or explosive player, England shines with a hard nose, gritty and crafty style around the rim and in the midrange. There’s a bit of a “old man” style to his scoring abilities, making him at times look like an “Oklahoma Andre Miller”.
One of the biggest progressions in his game this season has been improved shooting from beyond the arc. He’s taken the same efficient midrange game from last year and turned into more of a sniper. Especially off the dribble.
Games Watched: Putnam City Invitational rnHays is another prospect who has been known for his great production off the bounce and in the midrange. And this season has continued to improve his offensive repertoire by adding more range to his game. He plays bigger than his listed size because of a strong frame and has become known for more than just his scoring and rebounding proficiency, with improved passing as a key part of one of the more efficient offenses in Class 6A. Hays should find a collegiate home for up tempo programs that value position versatility and small ball aspects of modern basketball.
Highlights
Game Watched: vs NewcastlernBradley plays with great pace as he has some of the better handles in the state. With his combination of handles and size, there is a gliding aspect to his game when he gets down hill. He never seems to be going “that fast”, but he’s often able to gain separation from defenders to hit in the midrange or get to the rim. When he does draw extra help from defenders Bradley can breakout some great vision and passing ability to set up his teammates.
Games Watched: Putnam City Invitational rnScales made his return to the court in the third place game of the Putnam City Invitational. There were no signs of rust for the senior as he poured in 20+ points and changed the dynamic of the Patriots. That was even more evident a few days later when he played a key role in West upsetting their previously undefeated rivals, Putnam City North.
Always a player that was a threat from beyond the arc, the most impressive growth in his game of the past year is his ability to get downhill and finish. Especially for a little guard. Even with his lighter frame, he’s outstanding at absorbing contact at the rim to draw fouls, and often make acrobatic finishes. There are flashes of a Ty Frierson (one of Oklahoma’s most productive seniors from last year) in Scales’ game.
Game Watched: at OkemahrnShooting remains a premium and the senior from the 918 provides that in spades. While he can get it going some off the dribble, especially in the midrange. He’s at his best when hunting for shots all along the perimeter. His ability to change games in flurries of three pointers have provided some impressive scoring lines this season. One important aspect in his shot hunting, is his eagerness to get out and run in transition. Lewallen does a lot of damage by getting down court and stressing transition defense. Where not only does he bang in threes, he also provides spacing for teammates as scrambling defense have to account for his long range ability.
Games Watched: Mustang Holiday Classic, John NoblesrnGuerrero is another prospect that will likely find his way onto a college roster thanks to this ability to stretch defenses and change games with a flurry of threes. Along with having to always be accounted for from beyond the arc, Guerrero has expanded his off the dribble game with improved floaters and an “Euro Step” to compliment his stout and physical build on drives. Also because of his strong build and physical nature, he can defend a little bigger than his listed height.
Highlights
Marquis Combs-Pierce
Marquis Combs-Pierce
Games Watched: Putnam City InvitationalrnOne of the poster boys for how production needs to be factored into evaluations, Combs-Pierce is having an outstanding senior campaign as a game changer around the rim. On a team with plenty of other size, he still is a regular double-double threat because of his combination of strength, footwork and soft hands. He feasts on the glass on both ends of the court. When he does draw the double team, he’s also an adept at passing out of the post or when working in the high post to hit cutters. Not every team still prioritizes “throwback” back to the basket bigs, but for the college programs that due, Combs-Pierce should carve out a niche on a roster, just like he carves out space in the paint.