Preseason Small School Second Team All State
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The season is here for non football programs in Oklahoma and right around the corner for the rest of the state. With that in mind, here’s a look ahead at the players who are expected to be the “best of…
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Continue ReadingThe season is here for non football programs in Oklahoma and right around the corner for the rest of the state. With that in mind, here’s a look ahead at the players who are expected to be the “best of the best” in Class 4A, 3A, 2A, A and B. A focus for these teams were placed on the current senior class, along with a mixture of the juniors who have already achieved high levels of team success.
Check back tomorrow for honorable mention!
(prospects are listed in alphabetic order)
It could be a huge season for Hale and the immensely talented Adams is a big reason why. The junior is physically gifted with great size and outstanding athleticism. His sophomore season was filled with highs but also lows as a talented Ranger team finished a game short of State in 5A. If Adams successfully raises his floor performances and takes over games more often (especially in the paint), he’ll combine with Lewis to give Hale a team capable of capturing it all in Class 4A.
A newcomer to Casady, Buckingham looked impressive throughout every viewing this spring and summer. He looks ready to be a complete scorer, with one of the more skilled games in the small school ranks. What’s possibly been then the most impressive aspect of Buckingham’s strong rise over recent months is the improved explosiveness he’s had when attacking the rim. A healthy senior season will lead to big things for Buckingham for his first year as a Cyclone, and the Cyclones’ first season in the OSSAA.
After helping Kingston to the Class 3A State Tournament as a sophomore, Cason and his teammates had a down year with their season finishing in Regionals. The then junior still has impressive individual displays, especially with his shooting touch that extends out to the three point. Cason is a high upside prospect, who looks set to finish his senior season strong as one of the few “giant” post players in Oklahoma.
A newcomer to Atoka, Holiman was an outstanding shooter as a sophomore before an injury derailed his junior campaign. Now with his shooting ability and what will likely be an expanded overall game, the youngest Holiman will help make Atoka a potential dark horse in a tough Class 3A this winter.
Jones is a quality shooter, who has made strong strides in his overall game over the course of the past year. He has a “soft looking” jumper, always giving the appearance of going in or getting kind rolls when he does hit the rim. That has lead to him being a very effective shooter in the mid-range and beyond the arc. For his senior season, the Kansas Wesleyan signee will likely be a more complete scorer and effective on drives, as the Saints are expected to be one of the top contenders in 3A.
Narrowing down another addition from Weatherford is difficult, as they’re one of the more balanced teams in the state. In this case the senior Reherman edged out a pair of talented junior brothers. The senior forward helps patrol the paint, with great instincts as a rebounder and shot blocker. In fact it was Reherman’s rejection last February that helped Weatherford finally take down conference rival Kingfisher. Expect him to continue to change games around the rim as the Eagles attempt to soar back to Oklahoma City with unfinished business.
An athletic “3 and D” prospect for the next level, after averaging a 20 game for Catoosa as a junior he should threaten to score in the mid or even upper 20s on a regular basis for the uptempo Indians. Miller is the type of attacker that is often looking to tear the rim down when he’s given an open lane, or quickly pull from distance. His senior season should be full of highlights as he chases a State Tournament berth before going to Truman State in Missouri.
Highlights
Shepherd is one of the best shooters in the class and will likely build off a junior year where he averaged 17 a game for the small town Demons. He has next level height and looks great as an off the ball mover who navigates to his spots. Look for Shepherd to give the Demons a chance to make some noise in a new look Class 4A.
Another pure shooter, Scott combines shot hunting, hitting in bunches and clutch moments into his energetic style. He simply can change games with his shooting ability and was a huge part of the Trojans’ Class 4A title last year. This year should see the expansion of his offensive game as he gears up to write another chapter for the tradition rich Douglass Trojans’ program.
A blur with the ball in his hands, Scott is an uptempo lead guard who is always an one man fast break threat. He has continued to develop into leveraging his speed demon ways into changing pace, which often allows him to create space as an off the dribble shooter. The senior helped Pocola to a Class 2A semifinals appearance and will likely have his squad at the State Tournament in March, hoping to play potential spoiler against the current two time defending Class 2A champions, Dale.
Highlights
Terrell has been one of the steadiest risers among prospects in Oklahoma’s junior class and signs point to that ascension continuing this winter. He’s physically gifted with great nimbleness and leaping ability for a player his size. Small town gyms across eastern Oklahoma will hopefully be prepared to handle his power as he’ll likely be playing around the rim with authority all season long. Terrell and Scott give the Indians one of the best one-two punches in any classification in Oklahoma.
Highlights
Welch is another pure shooter, especially from spot up scenarios. He combines that floor spacing ability with next level size, grit and the versatility to battle around the rim and also help out on the perimeter. Especially as the senior has started to look more fluid and comfortable shooting off the dribble. Inola came up two games short of State with an Area loss, expect the Longhorns to have a chance to rectify that this year as a contender to be in OKC come March.