Scout the State: Playoffs!

Recapping standout prospects from games watched in person from a busy week of playoff basketball.    Floor general who was never flustered by the Midwest City's trademark pressure defense. Broke the press with strong handles, or even hitting deep outlet passes for quick scores. Played the game at his own pace, and made sure El Reno had an answer for every push by MWC. Knocked down threes when needed, included a 30+ buzzer beater to end the third. Which might as well proved that it was indeed El Reno's night.   They're now only a game away from state. And if Reed can continue to match the level of his senior teammates. Then the 5A Gold Ball could be headed west on I-40 to the town of Onion burgers.     Roman Nose has had a strong high school career and tonight was one of the best examples of his two-way brilliance. He often covered the best scorer for Midwest City, forcing bad looks and even some turnovers. Then when a teammate had second quarter foul trouble, it was his hard nosed scoring with finishing through contact at the rim and fouled on a mid-range that built their second quarter lead. He's a stone faced assassin and more memorable moments should come in the upcoming weeks.     Except for an interlude where Davis was on the bench due to foul trouble, he was a man among boys in the post. Multiple powerful slams, including statement dunks throughout the fourth quarter. Along with the bruising interior scoring and flashy transition finishes, his passing was also on strong display. He often drew a crowd on post touches, and he consistently made the right read to his teammates for open threes. Brings a dimension to the game in the interior that no one other in 5A currently has.     It was a complete team effort for El Reno in the decisive win for the regional title. Multiple players around their senior trio stepped up, including the high energy, athletic sophomore. He got the party started with a three in the opening moments. Then hit another in the second quarter. In between he flew around providing hustle plays and energy. Finished with 12 points. His contributions were pivotal tonight, and will be as the Indians continue their march for a Gold Ball.     While there's been flashes of Mbroh's talent as a sophomore, it hasn't quite gone the way it expected. On Thursday night, that might have changed as he was electric in Heritage Hall's upset win over 10th ranked Community Christian. CCS defenders could not stay in front of him, as he forced them into a zone defense. And even then he was still dropping defenders with dribble moves and quickness. Got out in transition in the second half to put an exclamation point on their double digit win with a slam. The talent has been obvious for Mbroh and he was put in a position on Thursday to showcase it, and he did just that. Now it's looking like Heritage Hall could make some noise in Class 3A Area     Okarche blitzed Pond Creek Hunter to secure a Regional Title on Monday. Continuing their march to the Big House to defend their Class A crown. Mueggenborg is a physical guard, with good size and some pop as an athlete. Good elevation when finishing at the rim, and has a solid crossover with fluidness to gain separation in the mid-range. He sat the tone in the first quarter of their win, and the Warriors never looked back. The senior seems to be a jack of all trades, and makes for a strong duo with his younger cousin, Jett.     Physical downhill attacker, who is built like an upperclassman. Unafraid of contact at the rim and always gets after it on the defensive end. Was a key part of an upset win for Byng to start off district play. Starting to become more explosive as he's dunking this season. Is a long term name to monitor, especially if he grows to match his older brother. Malachi, a 2024 Byng grad, who is currently at Allen Community College in Kansas.     McLoud's season may have came to a premature close, but Craven enjoyed a productive senior season. Continued to excell as a spot up threat, complete with moving well off the ball. Shot it with high efficiency when his feet were set. While also making strides as a complete scorer, with good ball fakes and other dribble moves. Southwest Christian recently offered and he should have more next level opportunities as there's always room for shooters.     The sophomore checked in on off the bench shortly into the game, and proceeded to play big, impactful minutes. Smooth lead guard, with a quality handle. Did his damage in the mid-range, where he has a good change of pace. Will need to continue to work on his suddenness with his movements. As he can shake defenders but to have success at the high levels he'll need to get into his shot quicker. Still, a promising complete game for a player who's had flashes this year. And now looks set to finish his sophomore campaign very strongly.

Recapping standout prospects from games watched in person from a busy week of playoff basketball.