Season Previews 2023-24: Carl Albert

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The calendar has turned to November, scrimmages have begun, and the season is about to tip off for small school programs. Soon gyms will be filled on Tuesday and Friday nights all over Oklahoma. The PrepHoops Oklahoma preview series will continue all month long with team capsules, preseason All State Teams and more!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CARL ALBERT TITANS: CLASS 5A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2022-23 Record: 23-6, 5A Runner Ups </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Returning Starters: 4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A bitter overtime defeat in the State Title game prevented the Titans from capturing their second title in three years. While they lost the production of Jordan England, the core of that squad is back and surely has redemption on their minds. The senior trio of [player_tooltip player_id='1367218' first='Jayden' last='Mott'], [player_tooltip player_id='1367219' first='Quincy' last='Hopkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1807984' first='Ryan' last='Reynolds'] are one of the most experienced and best cores in Class 5A. The Titans enter the season as preseason favorites in 5A and would even be a contender in 6A. Given the size and athletic ability of the senior trio, and the emergence of younger guards in junior [player_tooltip player_id='2749886' first='Xavier' last='Garcia'] along with sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2223689' first='Jayden' last='Hopkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2218106' first='Steven' last='Anderson'], Carl Albert has one of the most complete rosters in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CIRCLE THE CALENDAR FOR:</strong> at Crossings Christian, Tuesday, December 5th, 2023</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The new OSSAA rules for private schools has placed a new contender in Class 5A, with Crossings Christian making the jump to Oklahoma's second biggest classification. Just a few seasons ago, the Knights were Class 3A champions and their program has only continue to ascend after back to back Class 4A semifinal appearances. Crossings has one of the more talented rosters in the state. The early season contest will likely come with both teams still finding their legs but it's a must watch battle as the Titans attempt to keep their place among 5A elite and the upstart Knights will look to establish themselves as power players in their new class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1367218"],"_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":"One of the most gifted post players in the state is set for a huge senior season. He has a huge wingspan and great lateral agility for a player his size, meaning that along with his rim protection he has great defensive versatility to cover smaller guards.  Mott has steadily been adding touch and skill to his offensive game to go along with his highlight reel making ability with big time slams. If the senior dominates the paint on both ends of the court like he should, there's a good chance he'll be celebrating with a Gold Ball in the Lloyd Noble Center in March.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1367219"],"_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":"Another explosive and athletically gifted prospect, Hopkins was particularly great down the stretch for the Titans during their playoff run last season. While he can hit from distance, he's particularly money from the mid-range. That shooting combined with his rare gift of quickness and strength makes him one of the toughest players to cover in the state. Mix in the urgency that seniors get when the clock starts to wind down on their careers and Hopkins will be a must watch prospect this winter.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1807984"],"_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":"One of the top shooters in Oklahoma, Reynolds also brings great positional size and versatility to the Titans. From having the height to mix it up around the rim, to looking more comfortable defending on the perimeter the Titans senior is the type of prospect who find a role at the next level. But before his collegiate career begins, Reynolds will provide big time floor spacing and experience in pursuit of a Gold Ball.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["2223689"],"_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":"The younger Hopkins brother has quick twitch ability similar to his older brother but is already molding into more of a dynamic lead guard than a bully ball, scoring wing. He's a havoc causer on the defensive end with his long arms, quickness and instincts. On the offensive end, Hopkins uses his quick first step to attack the basket, where he has a slippery driving style and is developing strong finishing abilities. The growth of Hopkins will be pivotal with Carl Albert replacing a two year starter at point guard (Jordan England); a challenge that the sophomore looks suited to take on and excel.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["2218106"],"_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":"Another sophomore looking for a huge jump in production, Anderson is becoming a complete guard that should be one of the most efficient shooters in the Class of 2026. In viewings this summer, Anderson was often locked in from distance while also being able to hit in the mid-range and signs of a full scoring package. His perimeter shooter could be crucial in helping to space the floor for the big and athletic Titans.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-654525cdc9198"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->