Class of 2027: Upon Further Review
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Taking a further look at players who made the recent rankings update, along with a few more names to know in Oklahoma’s Class of 2027. Kaleb Blackwolf HEIGHT 6'1" POS SG CLASS 2027 View Profile Kaleb Blackwolf State: Oklahoma School:…
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Continue ReadingTaking a further look at players who made the recent rankings update, along with a few more names to know in Oklahoma’s Class of 2027.
One of the misses in the first edition of the rankings came with the exclusion of this highly productive freshman from El Reno. In watching back a tough contest against upperclassmen laden Guthrie, Blackwolf has a great combination of athleticism and a mature feel to his game for a youngster. He’s not a “wow” you jumper as an athlete, but he’s strong and very functional in how he moves. Including how he tracks down rebounds out of his area and competes on the defensive end.
Blackwolf has the potential to be a big time finisher at the rim. Which he already is quite good at, as he’s willing to play off two feet and not always try to drive into the teeth of the defense. Another mature aspect to his game is his passing, especially as he offers an unique option as an offensive hub type player on post ups or making the right decision in transition. With Blackwolf shaping up to be a standout in football as well, expect to hear a lot more from the promising El Reno youngster.
The small town standout is already making waves with his ability to put the opposition on notice with his highlight reel transition finishes. He thrives in causing havoc, with his combination of strength and explosiveness that is not often found in the small school ranks that Chandler plays in. Along with his brother Jayden, the Denson twins will likely give a lot of highlight reel performances to their small town as they battle for a trip to the Big House.
Another mistake in the initial rankings was House Jr being left out. The quality freshman guard is already logging key minutes for one of the programs with one of the deepest backcourts in the state. He’s been highlighted twice already this season, following a win over Classen SAS and on a preseason watch list. House Jr like many other guards in this class already has good poise and feel for a youngster, speaking to his strong youth basketball eduction. The 2027 prospect can be disruptive on the defensive end, with the upside to having a bigger scoring role down the road.
The small town lead guard has some juice to his game, as he was comfortable against a quick Wagoner squad. He did well in transition, pushing it off defensive boards with the mission to not only score himself but also create. One particular coast to coast move stood out, as it ended with him hitting an open shooter. There were some times he fell in love with his dribble a little much with some freshman mistakes, but overall he’s a strong ballhandler who generally did a good job of keeping the ball moving. The game watched wasn’t the best to judge his shooting, but at the rim he has a good feel for euro steps and other ways to get his off shot off as a smaller guard.
Size can’t be taught, so the height and massive wingspan of the physical post prospect is very intriguing. There’s a good fundamental base, with how he keeps the ball high around the basket but his finishing was hit or miss early on in the contest watched. But he was always active around the rim. Especially, in the second half against Wagoner, he made himself known more on the defensive end with blocks and other shot altering moments. Right now it looks like based on movements, he’s still growing into his body and if Hackett grows a couple more inches he could be a very intriguing old school post prospect.
Highlights
Bradshaw is getting some run for the Falcons, and got a chance at extended run earlier this week against Dale. He has a physical frame, with a good wingspan and even at times in the contest in Dale he flashed the ability to put on the floor and hit some nice moves around the rim. It’ll be very interesting to see how the hybrid forward grows and matures physically, because even at his current height he has the physical toolset to turn into a highly productive forward at the high school level.
Highlights
The skilled guard is starting to regularly break into double figures for a young Class 5A Shawnee Wolves squad. He has good size for a younger combo/off the ball guard and is smooth as an off the dribble shooter. Shawnee has had a slow start, but Litherland and company could be poised to make some noise come playoff time after playing in arguably the toughest District in 5A.