Freshman Check In

Seemingly every week there's a new highlight video of Washington with either a ridiculous move on a breakaway dunk or dunking on the opposition in traffic. The freshman already has a strong case as the best athlete in Oklahoma. Which is a scary thought, as the McAlester Buffalo is more than just a high flyer. He's an explosive off dribble scorer. He is a bit streaky as a shooter, but when locked in the threes happen in a hurry. Great combination of raw upside with his athleticism and instant production.     Owens is lighting it up for a squad that is dominating eastern Oklahoma. Recently went back and watched a December win against Sallisaw and after a slow start the freshman was a microwave scorer in the second quarter. Blistered the nets from long range, including hitting from a few feet beyond the line. Then showed the body control and understanding of pace to carve up the defense on drives. Has good timing and quick hands to make deflections and helpside poke outs on defense. Was impressed with his overall game as a key part of a Roland team that should be in the Class 3A State Title picture come March.     Production, production, production. The sharpshooter has it in spades, with a translatable skill in shooting. Has cemented his early status as the best shooter in the Class of 2028 and is now in the conversation for one of the best regardless of class. Already is a savvy mover off the ball, knowing how to set up defenders to make the most of screens from teammates. Seems to take the same shot every time, with good balance and repeatable form. Will get to his spots in the mid-range when ran off the line, and starting to put it together a driver. Already well on track to be a 2,000 career point scorer. A lofty mark for any Oklahoman.     Earned a starting spot over Christmas break and hasn't looked back. Elite handles with the ball on a string. He's quick and shifty, allowing him to thrive against taller foes on drives. But is at his best when he gets the defense on his heels and he pulls up from distance. His deep bag of tricks earned him All Tournament honors last week at Deer Creek and the momentum is going in the right direction for the skilled freshman.     There's a promising group of freshmen across the board for the Knights and recently it's been Buckingham stepping up. In a potential State Tournament preview against Douglass, he was the freshman to log extra minutes as the Knights battled foul trouble. He's proving to be a good floor spacing threat. Look for Buckingham to potentially swing games with shooting, while he teams with the Knights' upperclasmen, including his older brother Braden.     A long term name to track, Green is raw but the traits are there. Already in the 6'4 to 6'5 range but with a true guard's game. Can put it on the floor and get to spots in the mid-range. Currently not that athletic relative to the next level. But has the signs of a youngster who's still growing and his knees are likely giving him growing pains most days. A multi-sport standout, if he chooses basketball he is the type of prospect that has the ceiling to come out of "nowhere" and shock the state.