The Expo: Junior Year Breakouts?

As a sophomore, Nichols was a key depth piece down the stretch for a senior laden Indians squad. After showing promise in his cameos off the bench, he now is ready for a bigger role. A strong and tough guard, he plays with a hard-nosed style. At the Expo, he impressed with an old school mid-range game. And with strong finishing at the rim. Mix in a little bit of scoring swagger and he could lead El Reno in scoring this winter.     Litherland has some of the most experience on this list, as he's been a two starter in 5A with Shawnee. Now with his father making the move west on I40 to become the head coach at McLoud, he'll have a chance to be among the best scorers in loaded Class 4A. The skill level has been there. Now a summer of his body maturing and hitting the weights has him moving different. Played stronger on drives, with even a dash of flash to his dribble moves and gathers on drives to to the rim.   Even with the flash, the coach's son fundamental aspect is still there. Stopping and popping to use the backboard in the mid-range. To slipping great passes to find teammates in crowds. Exciting mix of craftiness and improved athleticism makes him a top name to watch in Oklahoma's small town ranks.       "Joey Ball" has been known for his energetic, defensive minded playing style. Which for his first two varsity years, made him a fun "star in his role" style player in the 405. There's been good signs on offense, but to further his next level potential he needs to become more consistent on that end of the floor.   Promisingly, he often had it going in the mid-range at the Expo. While also serving up some fun assists in transition. There will still some mistakes, likely a factor of rust that comes with him recently recovering from injury. But hopefully September is a building block in the right direction as Folsom prepares to go Gold Ball chasing with his new high school, Newcastle.     Thomas has been a floor spacing threat for his first two years at Putnam City North. While he often made good decisions with the ball in his hands, he still had the awkward gangly movements of youth. Which limited some aspects of his game. Now the Panthers are replacing a strong senior duo and Thomas looks to have grown into his body. Making him ready to expand his all around game.   At the Expo, he sill shot it at a good rate from deep. In addition, he looked much more fluid and quicker off the bounce. With a rapidly developing bag of moves, including in the mid-range. PCN is expected to be one of the most talented teams in Oklahoma as they have senior size, exciting sophomores and outstanding depth. But don't sleep on Thomas playing a bigger and vital role this season as they look for another State Tournament push.     A dogged defender with quality athleticism, Denson is aiming to make the jump as a junior from good to great. Played with his usual purpose on the defensive end and as a strong driver. Impressively, his handles looked tighter and he shot it better off the dribble. Really starting to become a showtime player in transition. Athleticism and defense will get his foot in the door at the next level. Now it's about fine tuning his perimeter shooing and continuing to be an unselfish player, with improved creation skills. Which are also key strides he needs to make as a leader for a Chandler team aiming for another Class 3A State Tournament appearance.     Shine passes the eye test when it comes to being an interesting prospect. He's become more athletic and moves like a wing, or at least a hybrid forward. He combined his physical gifts with a great motor on both ends of the court at the expo. Ran the floor hard, swatted shots and grabbed boards. His shooting form is a bit unorthodox, but he had hits in the mid-range and from three.   Very intrigued to see him this winter for a Classen SAS team that sneakily has some of the top talented in the west side for 5A. If he carves out an impactful role with the Comets, he could be a game changer this winter. And is the type of still growing into his potential prospect who would be a diamond in the rough for Oklahoma JuCos.