Tourney SZN January 4th Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first week of 2024 brings another full day of hoops all over Oklahoma. With early action at the Putnam City Invitational and a night cap at the McGuinness Classic, here's a look at the prospects who are starting the new year off strongly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lawton 62</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Union 74</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now at 7-1 on the season, Union has positioned themselves as one of the mid-season favorites to make it to the Lloyd Noble Center in March. This is in large part due to the size advantage they have over most of the state, but their backcourt is proving to be no slouch either.&nbsp; Their core four standouts all had their moments in a Thursday morning win at the Putnam City Invitational over quality 6A foe Lawton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1444135"],"_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=u0022p1u0022u003eOne of the best throwback point guards in the state, Gunn had his usual array of quality passes. Which included great finds in transitions and great chemistry with his bigs through post entry passes. He broke into double figures at the half, most often off getting downhill. But there was a promising development sign when he made the defense pay twice in the contest when they gave him space from three. u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eDefenses already have to account so much for the junior's guard quickness and passing vision, that if he's becoming a consistent three point threat the Union offense is often going to look unstoppable.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1343197"],"_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=u0022p1u0022u003eJoining his point guard in double figures in the first half alone, Fuller continues to play the game with more control and efficiency as a senior than he did at any point previously in his high school career.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eHe can still seemingly at will get to where he want for pull up jumpers, but now the lefty is willing to play off his talented big men more. It continues to be refreshing to watch the most explosive athlete in Oklahoma play with more control and chemistry with his teammates. Which is a very promising longterm sign.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1592869"],"_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 OBU commit was simply too big for the Wolverines around the rim. Once he gets established around the rim and the post entry pass was thrown to him, it was an automatic two points.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eHis massive wingspan also allowed him to convert putbacks and frequently block or alter shots. Madrid's reliable scoring was crucial in the Redhawks closing the door on any Wolverines second half comeback attempts.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1655627"],"_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":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eThe second part of the bruise brothers for the Redhawks, Flemons similarly controlled the glass, swatted shots and displayed impressive touch around the rim.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eOnly a sophomore, Flemons does has some more modern aspects to his game.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eHe looked comfortable nailing a catch and shoot top of the key three, and there's some flashes of great passing instincts. In particular, he had a nice quick thinking touch pass off a long rebound that led to an easy two points for his teammates.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eFlemons' evolution as a passer is also evident in the high-low game he often has with Madrid.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1796289"],"_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":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eIt was a slow start for Lawton as a team and they were chasing from the jump, but the junior wing was aggressive and productive throughout. He's one of the few prospects in the state than can come close to matching the previously mentioned Fuller in athleticism. Which allowed him to have some good moments on the defensive end of limiting the explosive player. On the offensive end, Vaisagote was impressive with the way he got to the rim and finish strongly amongst the trees.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eOne of the more promising junior prospects in the state, the 580 standout has some juice to his game on both ends of the court that few others in Oklahoma can match.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659705e1751e6"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Northwest Classen 39</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Norman North 48</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Norman North's size advantage across the board was too much for Northwest Classen. At various times the Knights were able to make runs to cut into, but the patient Timberwolves attacked never waived and they would enjoy a healthy 8-12 point for much of the second quarter onward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='2344095' first='Noah' last='Jones']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Norman North","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Thunder Elite","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eThe developing point guard prospect continued his strong start to his senior campaign for the Timberwolves.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eHe's one of the more defensively inclined guards in the senior class, and made his presence known early by picking the opposing ball handler's pocket and scoring an easy two in transition. On the offensive end he's playing with better control for a stronger guard, driving with not only the purpose to score himself but also set up his teammates.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='2472824' first='Hezekiah' last='Green']","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"77248","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"Norman North","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eA physical two guard prospect, he's getting a complete offensive basketball education at Norman North.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eThey made use of his broad shoulder frame on mismatch post ups, and they had him cutting with purpose where he finished at the rim with ease.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eDuring a fourth quarter spurt to close out the game, Green had an impressive explosive finish at the rim, which showed his burst off the dribble.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eHe took what the defensive gave him and with hints of quality athleticism, Green is a potential complete scoring specialist to keep an eye on in the Class of 2025.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["2273093"],"_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 lefty has a bit of a magic in his handle with the way he can navigate through traffic and hit tough contested shots at the rim for a smaller player. During a second half push for Classen, it was the quick junior consistently not panicking and finding his way into the paint. Where he's agile at avoiding contact to finish, or pitching it out to open teammates.u003cspan class=u0022Apple-converted-spaceu0022u003e  u003c/spanu003eButler leaned on going on his left to get going, but showed good ambidexterity with attacking the right just as comfortably once he defense started trying to force him to his off hand.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65972487c95ff"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Putnam City West 68</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Midwest City 74</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When the brackets were released for the tournament, it was a bit of a shock to see these two programs matched up in the first round. But after the initial shock, the hype grew and the game lived up to it's billing. It was a fast paced first half, with both teams trading blows. Then the second half slowed down a little, but with under two minutes left it was a tied contest. Before defense and clutch free throw shooting would deliver the victory to the Bombers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1391433"],"_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":"The Oklahoma State commit started the contest on fire from deep, and hit a tough finish at the rim. But for the second straight viewing, the referee's whistle would disrupt his flow and have him spend a large portion of the second half on the bench. Still when he checked in late in the fourth, there was no signs of rust. With the game tied late, he got to the lane, drew the foul. Then hit both free throws that would put the Bombers up for good. Along with his good offensive scoring, his combination of size and defensive instincts has him in the conversation for the best defender in the state.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1391440"],"_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":"A year ago, the biggest knock on the 6 foot 8 forward with a huge wingspan was that he didn't embrace the dirty work. Now, the main reason West was in the game was because Rayfield was all over the glass on both ends of the court. And he mixed in big time blocks.  From cleaning the glass on the defensive end, to getting second chance points Rayfield left his impact on the game with a big time performance from a motor standpoint. The junior Patriot scored a game high 25 points.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1807980"],"_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":"Last year Henderson was quietly one of the better scorers in the state for a Midwest City team that struggled to string together wins. It's only early January and the Bombers have already matched last year's win total of 6.  Henderson is still getting buckets, but it's less one on one and more in the flow of the offense. He's playing off his teammates and hitting big catch and shoot jumpers. While still showing off some occasional flashes of his big time iso game. Which is most evident on drives, as he's a strong finisher around the rim. The senior had a team high 17 points.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6597895645dde"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Casady 56</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Deer Creek 66</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1579597"],"_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":"Davis is a true tone setter on the defensive end, as the Antlers' pressure seems to thrive off the havoc he causes on and off the ball.  He's a full 94 feet player, that will thrive at the next level for a program that gives smaller guards the free reign to attack on both ends of the court.  The junior broke into double figures in scoring largely because of his transition efforts, but he was also a handful to keep out of the lane in the halfcourt as well.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1632267"],"_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":"The senior guard has one of the better mid-range games in Oklahoma, with a reliable turn around in the 8-12 feet that often leaves defenders guessing.  He leaned into that in the second half and consistently hit big buckets that kept the Cyclones challenging the Class 6A Antlers.  Buckingham's finishing around the basket and against contact could've been better. But he was a consistent battler, who showed some pop when high pointing rebounds on both ends of the court.  His ability to grab it and push it, where he has sneaky good vision is a great transition trait.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1293601"],"_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":"The athletic forward prospect had a somewhat quiet night for the first few quarters. But finished the game off with a bang. Two of them to be exact. With Casady forced to chase and pressure, he was on the recipient of good feeds from his team and threw down two thunderous slams to put exclamation points on the Antlers' victory.  There are few players in Oklahoma who can match his explosiveness around the rim and his ending to the game could be a start of a big three days at the McGuinness Classic.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6597895645e90"} /-->