The Stage 2023: Friday night Oklahoman Spotlight
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Three busy days of basketball in Dallas tipped off this evening at TB5’s The Stage. A handful of Oklahoma prospects took the court, here’s a run down of some of the early standouts. Jesse Ledbetter OK #43 PG #10 HEIGHT…
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Continue ReadingThree busy days of basketball in Dallas tipped off this evening at TB5’s The Stage. A handful of Oklahoma prospects took the court, here’s a run down of some of the early standouts.
The hero of the night for Team Griffin Select in a tight battle. Watching Ledbetter this last year, he has proven to be a tough shotmaker. Most often it’s come on tough finishes at the rim. But he’s capable from distance and that’s what he dialed up in a tied contest in the closing moments. The Southmoore Sabercat drilled a tough three pointer to break the tie and deliver his squad an opening victory.
Let’s go!!!💪🏀 pic.twitter.com/bAYWfsvwVe
— Kim Ledbetter (@KimLedbetter88) July 15, 2023
Highlights
Another Southmoore player who caught the eye, the 2026 prospect was notable for how the attacked the glass on the offensive end and the versatility he showed on defense. There was one rep in particular against an guard he was switched on, at first he stayed in front with ease, then closed out for an easy block. With the energy and intensity he plays with at his physical tools, Williams is a 2026 definitely worth keeping tabs on going forward.
Noah Jones
Noah Jones
Jones played bigger than his size, as his quality athleticism and relentless play proved productive on both ends of the court. He picked up a couple blocks on the defensive end, while consistently finishing well around the basket. Along with the scoring and flashy defensive plays, Jones was a key glue player for his squad last night.
Strong for the age group, Pedulla made his living on Friday night getting downhill. From being able to create space with his shoulder to keeping players on his hip when getting downhill, the youngster is proving to already being a crafty finisher at the rim. If/when the athleticism that is a common trait in his older brothers comes in, he should be exceptional high school scorer.
Wallace struggled a bit in the first half, but stepped up with huge plays in the second half. He continues to be streaky from distance, but buried a couple from deep during a second half rally. That shooting helped open up driving lanes for him, where he’s an explosive athlete. The athleticism was also on display with a couple impressive helpside blocks during that second half run for his squad.
With a tight handle, Goree was a handful off the dribble all game for Thunder Elite. He has good pick and roll chemistry with the athletic wings on his squad. And in iso situations, his handle and quickness often kept defenders on their heels. Usually a better scorer, Goree’s shots weren’t falling from distance, but his dynamism off the bounce still allowed him to get downhill. Where in the second half, he did a better job of creating for his teammates on drives and not forcing tough looks.