Scouting the State: Potential Playoff Stars

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're on the doorsteps of playoff basketball in Oklahoma, here's a look at prospects who are starting to take their games to the next level. With a recap of the players who have shined the brightest in recent viewings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Games covered</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OCS vs Millwood</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crossings Christian vs Carl Albert</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Weatherford vs Blanchard</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Community Christian vs Riverside Indian School - Skordle Stream</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pocola vs Idabell - Youtube</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1367214"],"_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":"Over the last month, Gray has a strong argument for most productive player in Oklahoma. He seemingly gets off the bus with an automatic double double for his stat line, and then he only builds off that with video game like numbers.  The senior continues to a reliable stretch forward from deep, while absolutely dominating the paint against every team he plays.  During this run, the senior became the all time leading scorer for OCS, breaking a record held by one of the very best to ever come out of Oklahoma, Blake Griffin.rnrnOne of his most impressive individual performances during his recent stretch came when he put up 35 points and 24 rebounds against fellow 3A contender Millwood. The performance was punctuated by his aggressiveness on the offensive glass, as he played with the mindset that u0022every rebound is mineu0022 leading to easy scoring. It's nitpicky, but his touch on some of his post finishing was a little off. Which at the high school level, he often can just get his own rebound. But against size at the college level, it's unlikely he'd be able to get as many second chance points so easily. Overall, it's still a strong sign to see Gray attack the glass on both ends with such ferocity and his ability as a spot up shooter will surely add more value to his ability to contribute in college.","_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":"A late season surge by the Titans earned them not only the opportunity to host Regionals next week, it also won them the district title in the toughest district in 5A. The swing point of that surge came in the final quarter against Crossings Christian last week, when [player_tooltip player_id='1367219' first='Quincy' last='Hopkins'] helped erased a double digit deficit with clutch offensive play. The senior was a man on the mission, as he hit from distance but perhaps more importantly he was unstoppable off the bounce. He played with aggression and strength on drives to match his powerful frame. Including the go ahead score over one of Crossing's taller post players. It was the type of performance that if Hopkins were to repeat in the playoffs, would be regarded as a legacy moment for the tradition rich program.rnrnAfter a slow start to the year by Car Albert's lofty standards, the Titans are 15-1 in the calendar year of 2024. With that one loss coming to a Class 6A program, with Hopkins and his younger brother Jayden at the helm of their athletic backcourt, they are poised for another trip to Norman in March. With a good chance to be one of the last team's standing.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1552378"],"_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 sophomore is continuing to display great upside as a 15 foot and in type prospect. It's rare he goes a game without a dunk, and he remains a bull on the block. As a face up threat, he's a handful for defenders thanks to his ability to either hit jumpers or put it on the floor with a good developing handling for a player his size.  All those traits mixed together could make him one of the tougher players to defend in 5A over the next month.rnrnThe area of improvement to keep an eye on is the concept of u0022not getting too high, or getting too lowu0022. More so on the low side for the sophomore.  In the loss to Carl Albert, a 50/50 call in the second half on a drive went against Woodson. There was contact but the ref judge it to be a walk instead. The frustration and how it lingered was evident on the sophomore's face, leading to him being checked out of the game for a reset.  Frustration is a natural part of the game, but from outside perspective Woodson needs to have more of a short term memory and let the moments go quicker.  In other viewings this year, there's been some more moments of similar instances of him needing to adjust to adversity quicker. Which understandable can be a tough for a 16 year old, as even as adults we don't always do well with that.  And a great aspect of athletics is battling through adversity.rnrnWith more outside pressure on young prospects, it's very important to remember basketball is supposed to be fun and any pressure that comes with it is a privilege. While all players express their emotions in different ways, there's usually a through-line that the players playing with fun, joy and freedom tend to be more successful.  Crossings ended the season with some bumps on the road, but the number one goal is still achievable and a confident Woodson can be a key part of them chasing the Gold Ball.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["2339546"],"_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":"While it was after playoff seeding had came out for small schools, Riverside has an impressive back to back stretch last week.  It started with a win at Paycom Center against 4A Community Christian, then ended up in southern Oklahoma with a win over top 10 4A Madill.  Bert stood out on the stream against Community Christian early on with good quickness and overall energy level. He started almost too fast, with some questionable decision making. But he settled down and was huge in the win for his team.rnrnOn drives, the junior can play off two feet, or find ways to sneak to the rim with some nice scoop shot finishes to avoid defenders. Playing off two feet paired well with his passing and creation to teammates on drives or even in the high post. Along with being a threat off the dribble, Bert consistently knocked down jumpers throughout the contest. Including a big three late that helped extend out Riverside's lead.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1552333"],"_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":"On the other side of the game at Paycom was the promising sophomore floor general. While his squad came up short on the day, it was a good well round exhibition of his skills. One of the biggest sticking points was the variety to his passing,. A few passes that stood out were big time crosscourt passes out to shooters while he was driving, a great feed in transition via a bounce passes and a nice, on the money backdoor set up in the halfcourt.  Edwards also looked quicker and more decisive as a driver, which popped up when he closed out the first quarter by getting downhill and hitting a 8 foot floater over a defender. A great rep for end of the shot clock situations at the next level.  It was a good watch, as the sophomore continues to grow his all around game to match his passing acumen.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1391435"],"_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":"Last Friday in Blanchard, the game was only a few seconds old and Nickson was already at the rim and flushing it with ease.  The Eagles would roll over top 10 competition, continuing their assault on the state this year, that was only briefly interrupted by a setback at the Tournament of Champions. All 22 of their wins have by double digits and a big reason for that has been unstoppable [player_tooltip player_id='1391435' first='CJ' last='Nickson']. His performance against Blanchard was an another example of his complete dominance, he had at least three dunks while also gliding by defender to avoid fouls on drives.rnrnThe junior is also an unselfish passer for the balanced Eagles and shoots it at a high clip. At the Oklahoma high school level, he's an unique weapon who knows when to play with power and aggression or break out surprising finesse moves for a player his size. It isn't just on offense, Nickson is just as likely to make an empathic block as he is to take a charge.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1504901"],"_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":"Sage has always been a fun prospect because of his size and shooting ability combination. Against Blanchard, he showed that he's continue to develop as a creator.  While the team as a whole moves the ball well, Sage was displaying impressive playmaking instincts and chemistry with Nickson.  From tossing oops, tight window passes on drives and ball screens situations with Nickson, Sage looked to have taken his ball handling and abilities to the next level.rnrnWeatherford's size will overwhelm many teams in 4A, but guard play can be so vital come playoff time. The junior wing turning into more of a combo guard to help share the ballhandling responsibilities with Nickson could be a difference maker come the Big House.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["2348193"],"_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":"The junior guard led a massive rally on Saturday against one of the top small school teams in the state. Threadgil has a strong frame and uses it well to dictate the pace and always look in control when the ball is in his hands.  It started with tough finishes through contact with fearless driving. Then when Idabel took over in the fourth, he mixed in big shots in the mid-range and from the beyond the arc.  Some guard's just have a knack for putting the ball in the hole, and if Saturday was any indication Threadgil has been undervalued for too long. And he's set up for a big playoff run these next few weeks.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["1441827"],"_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":"If physical Threadgil is the thunder for the Warriors, then quick Sumo is the lightning. The senior has a quick first step, that most often sets up opportunities for him to pull up off the dribble in the mid-range or from three.  But he can also find paths to the rim and hit them fast, finishing surprisingly strong for a smaller guard.  Guard play is crucial come March, Idabell will have a shot against anyone in 3A thanks to Sumo and Threadgil.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["1552068"],"_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":"The first half against Idabel was pure dominance from the high upside junior.  Terrell understands his role to dominate the paint on both ends of the court, he recorded at least six blocks in the game and finished well out of post ups and on putbacks.  After having flashes of fluid movements as an underclassmen, he's finally started to mature into his body with more suddenness and explosiveness. This manifests on the court with more violent finishing of ally oops and other opportunities around the rim. While also looking much more natural in turnarounds and other post scores.rnrnIt was a strong start, but like his team Terrell faded in the second half. He fouled out with a couple minutes remaining, so while he's improving as a rim protector there's still some room to improvement in that regard. But this game overall was another promising overall sign for Terrell. In state Tulsa is at the forefront of his offers, and Terrell could be an absolute steal for the Golden Hurricane.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c7b2ca0fb62"} /-->