McGuinness Classic: Starting 5

The winter weather created an AAU type atmosphere at Bishop McGuinness, with double headers for all 8 teams on Saturday. Let's lead off the coverage of those games, *along with Thursday's games) with a Starting 5 (and a 6th man) of the top performers. In the case of this starting five, it's a "5 Out" to highlight the playmaking guards that dominated the action.    Senior leader for Deer Creek, Davis has been putting on a show at the McGuinness Classic for his entire career. This marks the second time in those last three years were he helped the Antlers to the championship. Tough defender, who plays with quickness and pride as a ball hawking, on the ball defender. Has made big strides as a shooter throughout his career, especially shot it well in catch and shoot situations on Saturday. Still explosive and very hard to keep out of the paint, takes advantage of teams playing off with a bit of a mid-range game now.   One of the top available senior guards for regional small colleges. With elite quickness and one of the best motors in Oklahoma.     The sharpshooter earned MVP honors for the event. His perimeter shooting was at the forefront of his elite performance. There was a barrage of three pointers in the first half of their semifinal win. Including a nasty stepback to close out the first quarter. Then timely scoring throughout the championship win. Shooting has always been Leache's calling card, so it's not shocking to see him put on a show from deep. But he's steadily developed his off the dribble game, with a better handle and stronger frame. Good contact balance and outstanding touch around the rim, hit difficult shots at the rim in both games on Saturday.   Leache has hit the ground running at his new school. As along with the tournament MVP honors, last month he hit a game winning buzzer beater. The junior is establishing himself as one of the better shot makers in Oklahoma. And a critical piece of an Antler team with aims of a State Championship push.     It's probably safe to save that Hopkins is the quickest guard in Oklahoma. Often had defenders on skates or guessing the wrong way with his electric ability to change directions. Has game breaking explosiveness to go along with that quickness. Was routinely rising like he had on a jet pack to block shots at the rim. High flying finishing at the rim on offense too. Dunked it with ease when he's able to find a clear lane. Or finished acrobatically with contorting movements and hang time to avoid defenders.   Hopkins' jumper has been steadily improving this year, especially as he's been on a scoring tear. He's ascending into the tier of Oklahoma's elite players. Because he has a rare level of athleticism, which will open the door for next level opportunities. But to fully walk through the door, he will need to become more of a true point guard. There's good signs with the outlet passes and the heads up plays he makes, usually in transition. But his court awareness in the halfcourt on offense needs to continue to improve. As evident in the title game when the Choctaw coaching staff was calling for him to hold it for the last possession to end the third quarter. But the junior took a shot instead. Cleaning up little moments like that will make the sky the limit for Hopkins.     Electrifying guard, who was crucial in Santa Fe's come from behind win on Saturday night. Sparked the team with a tough take and finish, where his energy appeared to play a role in waking them up after a slow start. Shifty and quick off the dribble, routinely got paint touches. Where he has good either handle finishing for a smaller guard, or makes good passes to open teammates. Dangerous as an off the dribble shooter.   The Wolves had a slow start coming out the holiday break, but a pair of wins at McGuinness could be important in swinging their season. "Money" continuing to become a floor general who leads a talented by younger squad will be an important part of any potential playoff push.     Franz is a point guard who picks his spots, on Saturday morning the spot he picked was to win the game. In the closing seconds, the final possession looked lost, but the junior never lost his cool and eventually got to the rim and finished through contact at the buzzer. Then in the second contest, he carried the momentum of his heroics into a more scoring focused game. Routinely broke defender's ankles to gain separation for pull up jumpers. Showing that the same steady handles that help run the show for Memorial, can play faster and with flair. Is now established as one of the more well rounded guards in the Class of 2026.       On a team filled with football-basketball standouts, Blackwolf could be the toughest. Built like a tank, he's a rock solid finisher around the rim. Who also snatches rebounds with strong hands and good athleticism. Steady grinder, who one second will be battling down low. Then the next helping to trap and race around the perimeter. Even played a full possession without a shoe and zero complaints. Newcomer to Del City, but fits like a glove for the hardnosed, successful 5A program.

The winter weather created an AAU type atmosphere at Bishop McGuinness, with double headers for all 8 teams on Saturday. Let's lead off the coverage of those games, *along with Thursday's games) with a Starting 5 (and a 6th man) of the top performers. In the case of this starting five, it's a "5 Out" to highlight the playmaking guards that dominated the action.