Lucky Number 7! Rising Sophomores!

A new weekly feature putting seven prospects from a certain grade or position group under the microscope. Highlighting how they're current excelling, room for improvement and more.   Majority of scouting took place at the recent Oklahoma Clash    Powerful slashing guard, Robinson punishes defense with strong and quick drives. Leans on going right, but his good first step combined with ability to play off of two feet makes him very effective at still getting downhill and finishing the rim. He has added elevation and hang time giving him the ability to finish through contact. Or make acrobatic moves to avoid the defenders. Has flashes of being more of a playmaker. With the ability to see through waves of defenders and make the right passes out to open shooters. Like the competitiveness and toughness he plays with, should continue to develop into a complete attacking guard.     It's fun to watch already good players continue to hit that next level as they develop. Already a strong shooter, Duffie is improving in that regard to place himself among the premier shooters in Oklahoma. He is starting to make open three pointers look like layups. When his feet are set and he gets clear, it's money. It was evident during Cascia Hall's run to the Class 3A Title Game, and is carrying over this spring.   Along with the shooting, he's starting to find an extra gear and strength to get downhill and finish with impressive acrobatic like moves in the paint. Also uses his strength and good size for a two guard to be impactful on defense. Rock solid prospect, with shooting as his calling card.     Sharpshooter who torched the net in a signature win earlier this month at the Oklahoma Clash. Started to show off more to his game, including hitting tougher pull ups off the dribble. This includes mid-range and pulling from DEEP anytime the defense gives him space within 25 feet or so. Doesn't need much seperation to get his shot off, while still maintaining deadeye accuracy even when contested. Has made a good jump to his athleticism and strength. Clearly a challenging winter schedule with his new prep school, is starting to pay off. Arrow is pointing up.     One of the state's top prospects, "Joc" has an extra gear and explosiveness that is uncommon and sets him up to potentially play at the highest levels of college basketball. Violent crossovers and change of direction ability makes him arguably the best off the dribble attacker in the state. Is a high flying, highlight reel finisher in transition and even in the half court. Runs hot and cold as a jump shooter right now, but consistently gets good looks because of the threat of his driving. Especially in the mid-range.   Scoring seems to be his primary DNA, but there's some flashes of creation ability. Especially in "PNR" situations. With a State Championship now on his resume, this spring will be an opportunity to hit to elite status with a tough national schedule. Where he will need to find a higher, consistent, motor as he'll more often faces players who are bigger and even possibly have similar athletic gifts. Turning up his motor in this situations will be crucial because at times he can appear too casual. Especially as his skillset and athleticism is geared to being the non stop energizer bunny type attacker. On both ends of the floor.     Versatile forward, who is trending more toward having some perimeter aspects to his game. Often picked up the ball on defense and moved his feet well during a recent viewing. Liked the willingness to defend, including making life hard for smaller guards by using his wingspan and heigh advantage to harass them. Quick off his feet for his size, this helps Barber as a rebounder and in attacking into the mid-range or open lanes for drives. Good set of athleticism and skill for Barber's impact to continue to grow.     Flat out can score the rock. Has a crafty game, especially in the mid-range, routinely hitting tough fadeaway looks and other contested makes. His range comfortably extends to the three point line. Has stepback moves and can lean into his physicality to create the small space he needs to hit from distance. Hooper had some impressive scoring numbers during his sophomore campaign. And has started to carry that production over to the AAU level.   The eastern Oklahoman is a fascinating look between high school production vs college potential. There's obvious aspects to his game that will make him appealing, because shooting will always be valuable. But he will need to improve on the defensive end via maximizing his natural athletic ability. While also potentially being less ball dominant in his scoring, as he can be a bit of a ball stopper.     After a promising end to this sophomore campaign at the high school level, Gillespie is spending more time on the ball. Which is part of his attempts to transition from more of a combo guard/off the ball shooting specialist, to being a true lead guard. The skill level seems to be there for him to pull off the transition. As he does have true smooth movements when it comes to his handles and ability to sling passes over the court. Generally did a good job of keeping it moving and not over dribbling at the Oklahoma Clash. Has a good variety of making the simple but important passes, but also breaking out the occasionally great vision, "thread the needle" type pass.     Still seems to currently be at his best as a spot up threat offensively. Has deep range from three, and shoots it well when in rhythm via catch and shoot situations. But there's promise for him to attack off the dribble by getting to spots in the mid-range. His motions need to become quicker and stronger, which will also allow him to be better at finishing around the basket. A pivotal summer of development awaits Gillispe. With improving mental feel as a PG and becoming quicker and stronger to match his smoothness.

A new weekly feature putting seven prospects from a certain grade or position group under the microscope. Highlighting how they're current excelling, room for improvement and more.