The ENGINES of PH Oklahoma State Tournament Saturday

AAU basketball can often be dominated by guard play. That's why it's important to also give props to the forwards who can at times can do unsung work in fast paced games. This group of Oklahoma prospects shined with their box score contribution on Saturday and with high motor play.    The 405 big man brings it in the paint every time he steps on the court. Saturday was no different as he was a tenacious rebounder, especially on the offensive end. Holman battled in both contests, also getting on the floor for loose balls and trying to cause havoc with his long arms. A physical prospect who knows and embraces his role, he will finish his career providing the muscle and likely some slams for a Millwood program that's looking to climb the mountain top in Class 3A.     Cotton was his usual energetic self in a Saturday morning contest. What was interesting about his game was the steps he's made as a ball handler. He's becoming more confident in face up situations and even pushing it himself after he secures a rebound. One of those instances ended with him driving, getting a paint touch and kicking to a teammate who knocked down a three. That and hitting jumpers indicate that his is game evolving to be more than a blue collar forward. One drawback to his game on Saturday, he must improve his touch around the rim. As he left some points on the board with misses on drives and other contested looks. Cleaning that up will be paramount for Cotton to help lead the Chargers to a Class 5A State Tournament appearance, after they missed last year for the first time in a decade.     A throw back space eater, Bolin was a force on the block. He either drew fouls or powered through defenders. On defense, he played ever bigger than his height thanks to his long wingspan. That was evident in the way he altered/blocked shots, while also grabbing rebounds. The OCA big man is a nice counterpunch with physical play to today's more spread out modern basketball.     Next Level has been one of the more balanced programs all spring and summer, in their opening win on Saturday that was no different. With McConnell stepping forward and swinging the game in the second half with a willingness to battle around the basket. And even fitting into their 5 out style, that he also played a part of at Piedmont last year, by hitting from distance too. Often times work like McConnell can go overlooked, but with a bigger production in the box score in the second half the spotlight was justifiably more on him.     Early on in Team Oklahoma's first win, Worley exploded for a nice one handed dunk. That was the flash to his game, along with the blue collar effort of running the floor, boxing out, hitting the glass. On defense he was very active in protecting the rim. Rather it was moving his feet to stay in front of and swat a guard or playing helpside defense the Deer Creek Antler swatted his fair share of shots on Saturday.

AAU basketball can often be dominated by guard play. That's why it's important to also give props to the forwards who can at times can do unsung work in fast paced games. This group of Oklahoma prospects shined with their box score contribution on Saturday and with high motor play.