Friday’s Finest: January 19th

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday's action in the 405 saw a trio of freshman unleashed in the afternoon, then a pair of big time cross state Class 6A match ups with Broken Arrow vs Mustang and Bixby vs Choctaw. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1391441"],"_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":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eIt was a statement game for the junior, who was stronger and more sudden with his movements on drives. He took over in the third quarter, which included grabbing defensive boards and going coast to coast. Along with looking quicker in transition, he's more decisive in the half-court. While there's times he still busts out his ISO game, he's now more prone to go the second he gets the ball.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eOn those quick and more sudden drive,s he can either play off two feet with more violent and successful stops. While also mixing the ability to hang in the air and use his long arms to get off shots in traffic around the rim.u003c/pu003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eThe junior remains a big time shooter from distance. Today's combination of long range shooting and the damage he did off the dribble gives him a strong claim among the best scorers in not only the Class of 2025 but in any grade in Oklahoma.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1391436"],"_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":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eThe third quarter was very encouraging sign from an offensive standpoint.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eWhen Mustang looked they were going to run away with the game, Howell put the team on the back. He scored his team's final seven points in the frame, while also connecting on three shots from beyond the arc in the third.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eHe's a big, physical guard, who is smooth when getting to the rim or pulling up off the dribble.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eDefense and playmaking are the natural strengths for the high upside junior, but these scoring bursts (especially from beyond the arc) becoming more consistent are a key part of unlocking his big time potential.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["2140800"],"_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":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eThe freshman didn't have the loudest scoring performance, but it's very impressive how he's already leaving his fingerprints all over the game without scoring. Pogi has a natural feel and read of the game that is rare for underclassmen. The touch and vision he displays on passing is next level, as he handed out dimes all game. While also often correctly reading passing lanes in transition on defense and seemingly teleporting in to steal the ball. On the scoring frontPogi did have a big score late on a controlled pull up that helped Mustang put away the Tigers.u003c/pu003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eThe lead guard has had an explosive scoring performances already but for him to impact a game while being quieter on that front is a very impressive sign that his arrow is pointing fully up.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["2283661"],"_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":"Choctaw is a senior dominated team with loads of experience, which is what makes the role that the sophomore is carving out all the more impressive. He had a game changing spurt to start the third, where he caught fire from deep and crashed the offensive glass as well.  With good positional size and silky shooting touch, Valentine is a talented sophomore prospect who appears to be just scratching the surface of his high upside profile.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["2241907"],"_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":"Further adding to Choctaw's versatile depth is the junior forward, who is continuing to play with more and more of an edge.  Steelman is challenging shots more and more at the rim. While also cleaning up around the offensive end.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1367216"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"The senior was tasked with covering one of the hotter scorers in Oklahoma and he shut it down as Choctaw got their revenge for an early season loss.  From fighting through screens, applying on the ball pressure, Valentine shined in his role as a defensive specialist for the night.  The theme with the senior's evolution has been how he's turned from a scoring specialist into a complete and competitive guard.  It wasn't a big scoring night for him, but the difference he made for Choctaw was loud.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1367223"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Has it been mentioned that Choctaw is a big, physical team with depth? Look no further than the senior rounding into form as evident of just how deep the Yellowjackets are. The physical prospect has shed the bulky knee brace that he was wearing just a couple weeks ago, and he punished the Spartans inside. While also looking more mobile as a defender that gives Choctaw even more size and versatility to smoother teams.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["2273091"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eThe high activity senior wing-forward cleaned the glass on the defensive end of the court. Then on the offensive end, he was on fire in the mid-range and even extended it out to the three point line. But most often he floated along the free throw line, and out to the elbows. He was nearly automatically with quick turn and jumpers.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eThompson even was able to put it on the floor occasionally with 1-2 dribble moves before shooting.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eAfter looking promising at early season scrimmages, it was good to see the high activity senior wing-forward continue to make an impact. With his height, wingspan, movement on both ends of the court, Thompson continues to look like a hidden gem for the right regional JuCo program to unearthu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["2140772"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eRobinson's jumper wasn't falling but that didn't stop him from leaving an impact as an aggressive guard on both ends of the court. He's quick and strong for a freshman, as evident when he got to the rim early in the first quarter and finished through contact on an “And 1”. Along with his pressuring the rim on offense, he also recorded steals and other disruptive defensive plays.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["2326941"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eThe lanky freshman wing prospect was impressive with the poise he played with on the offensive end. He knocked down open shots and flashed the ability to be a dynamic slasher. An added bonus was a handful of nice passes and assists he handed out drives.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eThere was one pocket pass in particular that was a combination of great vision and unselfishness.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eJackson has big time natural tools and an intriguing skillset as a scorer, and his first varsity start could be the sign of a huge calendar year for Jackson.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["2326939"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eThe third freshman to get the start for the Pirates, he was the most productive of the trio. Osborne lived at the rim where he was an efficient finisher. He can already shift his pace and body control well to avoid defenders. With his barrel chested frame, the freshman should be a freight train like slasher when he matures.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":11,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ab5d0b53afe"} /-->