Takeaways: Pride of the East Side

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Sign up this week for PrepHoops using promo code BLACKFRIDAY2025 for 50% off at checkout</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recapping this past weekend's Pride of the East Side Showcase with top players and storylines to watch as the season unfolds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Falcons Soaring to the Top?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Millwood may be 3A, but they're firmly in the conversation for best team in the state. They ran rampant over a pair of double digit victories over out of state teams. The senior core was impressive, junior [player_tooltip player_id='2831214' first='Javier' last='Richards'] is rising and they have a very promising freshman group. With how they play together, especially in the effort department, they might have the highest floor night in and night out of any team in the state. Suffocating defense, transition points and a swagger that few in Oklahoma can match is one heck of a winning recipe. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2021906"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69267ba202c36"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The unsigned senior of Millwood's big three. He was a double digit scorer and stat stuffer in both of the Falcons' rim. Which is a perfect representation of what he brings to the court. VanBuren is a physical and athletic guard, he rebounds like a forward and is an efficient finisher. To compliment his bully guard style scoring at the rim, he looked improved shooting in the mid-range. One of the better prospects in Oklahoma, who sacrifices some individual production for team success with the Falcons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Trojans' Pride</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The tournament hosts have a bit of a new look to their roster but the intensity and pride they play with is still there. Making the Trojans and the prospect listed below </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2393527"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69267ba202c8f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With an electric game and high motor playing style, the east side has taken to the senior transfer. He's explosive in transition and in the halfcourt. With transition slams and contested acrobatic finishes. But don't sleep on his ability to shoot from deep. Add in his 10,000 megawatt smile and it's easy to see why Kpogba has star potential. That should only continue to grow while leading another potential State Tournament run for the Trojans.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>And the Best Game of the Weekend Was...</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the contest took place in the back gym, the environment and competitiveness of Crooked Oak and Star Spencer very likely was the best of the event. It was a close game throughout and reached another level with a back and forth overtime that led to overtime. Eventually ending with Crooked Oak getting a stop to win 63-60. It was a strong showing for two 405 based 3A programs with new coaches. Signs that both could be in position to make noise come the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2552538"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69237b7a81a65"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dixon might be hitting the next level of his athleticism. In the overtime portion of the contest, he pushed it in transition and got loose for a rim rattling slam. He already was a good athlete for his size, making him a dynamic slasher and finisher at the rim. That part of his game was in fine form on Saturday, with some crazy, acrobatic finishes at the rim. Still developing as a three point shooter, but he can hit enough to keep the defense honest. Shaping up to be the go to option for the Ruf-Nex. Which would be impressive if he can be consistent as a sophomore. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2410741"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69237b7a81ac5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Poured in the points for the Bobcats. Shifty off the bounce, with good touch on his floaters. Even muscling to the rim well for a smaller guard in traffic. Where his scoring really standouts is shooting off the dribble. Can put defenders on skates to get into the mid-range. And create to similar separation on three point attempts. Hope to see his selection/efficiency improve a bit, but scoring is clearly in his DNA. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Valentine Elite?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Choctaw split a pair against out of state competition. The Yellowjackets are waiting for an infusion of size and athleticism from their football squad. But they proved they still have the backcourt play to compete in 6A, including one prospect who is rapidly ascending. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2283661"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69237b7a81b2e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The lefty is arguably the most improved player in Oklahoma's senior class. Has reached new levels as a perimeter shooter, including off the bounce. Went toe to toe with a very talented The New School program out of Arkansas. Cooking defenders off the dribble with threes. Then was covering smaller guards and a future 6'9 power four wing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Defense already gave him a great floor when it came to be a collegiate player. And developing his ability to be a 20+ point scoring night in and night out, should open new doors when it comes to his recruitment. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Off to the Races</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newcastle was one of the biggest beneficiaries of the changing nature of high school basketball transfers. The first three quarters were an example of how the new pieces are still fitting together at their new school. Then in the fourth quarter, it started to click and they were able to grind out a hard earned season opening victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2223702"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69237b7a81b98"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Perhaps the most consistent Racer on the day. Antwi-Donkor missed a chunk of scrimmage season with an injury. He was an offensive mismatch. Strong and athletic, can punish guards around the rim. While also drawing out fellow wings and forwards to score on them at the perimeter. Given the depth of talent across the board for Newcastle, it might be a different player shining every night. But Antwi-Donkor's unique gifts could be crucial in them reaching their sky high ceiling. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->