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<p>Prospects from all over the great State of Oklahoma delivered an exceptional slate of performances this past week, with elite talent on full display across the area. From dominant individual showings to pivotal moments that shaped outcomes, athletes consistently rose to the occasion and set themselves apart. Each performance reflected preparation, intensity, and a high level of competition. Today, we highlight the best of the best, the standout efforts that defined the week and established the standard moving forward.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2677145' first='Rodney' last='Washington'] | SO | Guard | McAlester</strong></p>
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<p>Washington delivered one of the most complete and consistent performances of the weekend, guiding McAlester to a third-place finish at the Sequoyah Invitational and solidifying himself as one of the top sophomores in Oklahoma. While the Buffaloes ultimately fell to Muldrow in a tightly contested third-place game, Washington's production and leadership were impossible to overlook throughout the tournament.</p>
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<p>The 6'2” sophmore guard averaged 20 points per game over the course of the weekend, serving as McAlester's primary scoring option while also impacting the game in multiple areas. Washington consistently applied pressure offensively with his ability to score at all three levels, attacking the rim with confidence, knocking down perimeter shots, and creating opportunities for teammates when defenses collapsed. His effort on the glass and willingness to defend passing lanes further showcased his all-around value.</p>
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<p>Washington opened the tournament with a great performance against Ada, pouring in 24 points while adding five rebounds and five steals. His activity on both ends of the floor set the tone early, as he disrupted passing lanes defensively and pushed the pace in transition. The sophomore followed that performance with a steady and efficient outing against Sapulpa, finishing with 15 points and seven rebounds while continuing to control the tempo and make timely plays in key moments.</p>
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<p>In the third-place matchup against Muldrow, Washington was at his best when the game was on the line. In a back-and-forth contest that featured multiple lead changes, he kept McAlester within striking distance throughout, finishing with 21 points and repeatedly answering runs with baskets of his own. Despite the narrow loss, Washington's poise, shot-making, and competitive edge stood out, as he carried the offensive load and provided leadership in high-pressure situations.</p>
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<p>Across the tournament, Washington proved to be a reliable scorer, a capable rebounder for his position, and a willing facilitator who understands how to impact winning beyond the box score. His combination of production, versatility, and leadership continues to elevate his profile, making him one of the more intriguing sophomore guards to track as the season progresses.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2712639' first='Garrett' last='Smith'] | SO | Forward | Mustang</strong></p>
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<p>The Broncos followed up a solid showing at the Bishop Kelley Tournament with an emphatic win over Eisenhower, and it was Smith who set the tone as the most dominant player on the floor. The 6'7” sophomore delivered a highly efficient and physical performance, finishing the night an impressive 10-of-11 from the field while piling up 25 points and 13 rebounds.</p>
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<p>Smith imposed his will early and never let up, consistently putting pressure on Eisenhower's interior defense. Whether it was finishing above the rim on well-timed lob opportunities, executing smooth spin moves in the paint, or sealing defenders deep in the post, he showcased a diverse offensive arsenal that made him nearly impossible to contain. His touch around the basket, combined with his strength and footwork, allowed him to convert high percentage looks at a remarkable rate.</p>
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<p>Beyond the scoring, Smith's presence was felt on the glass and in the flow of the game. He controlled the paint defensively, cleaned up second-chance opportunities, and provided a reliable interior anchor that allowed the Broncos to dictate tempo. His decisiveness with the ball and ability to make quick reads in the post further highlighted his advanced feel for the game at such an early stage in his development.</p>
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<p>With another fantastic performance, Smith continued to reinforce his status as one of the premier players in his class across the state. His combination of size, efficiency, and growing offensive polish makes him a matchup nightmare, and his trajectory suggests an even higher ceiling as he continues to develop.</p>
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<p><strong>Brandon Smith | JR | Guard | McAlester</strong></p>
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<p>Smith has been a key cog for the Buffaloes to open the season, providing steady production and reliability that has made McAlester a tough out against several formidable opponents. His consistency on both ends of the floor has helped stabilize the lineup, and his ability to deliver in key moments continues to elevate his importance within the rotation.</p>
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<p>This past week, the junior guard put together a strong stretch of performances at the Sequoyah Invitational, averaging just over 13 points per game across three contests while doing so on efficient shooting percentages. Smith's shot selection and confidence from the perimeter were on full display throughout the tournament, as he consistently capitalized on scoring opportunities without forcing the issue.</p>
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<p>In the semifinals against Sapulpa, Smith delivered one of the most pivotal moments of the game, knocking down a buzzer-beating shot just before halftime to give McAlester a one-point lead heading into the break. He carried that momentum into the second half, continuing to knock down shots and finishing the game with a 54% field goal percentage, showcasing both poise and efficiency in a high-pressure setting.</p>
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<p>Smith's impact extended well beyond scoring in the third-place game, where he filled up the stat sheet with 12 points, five rebounds, and five steals. His activity level was evident throughout, as he applied constant pressure defensively, disrupted passing lanes, and helped generate transition opportunities. With his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game and deliver timely performances, Smith has firmly established himself as one of the more reliable and impactful pieces for the Buffaloes early in the season.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552314' first='Cash' last='Laird'] | SR | Wing | Kingfisher</strong></p>
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<p>The 6'4” wing put together a big-time week for the Yellowjackets, playing a central role in a strong stretch of team performances. The week began with an impressive win over Bethany, setting the tone before the Yellowjackets carried that momentum into the Dale Tournament, where they finished 2–1 against quality competition.</p>
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<p>In the opening round against Kingston, Laird's all-around offensive skill set was on full display as he consistently applied pressure to the defense in the 71–55 victory. He attacked the basket with purpose, using his length and athleticism to finish through contact, while also showing confidence and balance on pull-up jumpers from the mid-range. His ability to score without relying on a single area of the floor made him difficult to scheme against and allowed the Yellowjackets to control the flow of the game.</p>
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<p>Laird followed that performance with solid outings against Dale and Washington, continuing to provide steady scoring and offensive versatility as the Yellowjackets split those matchups. Even when shots weren't falling at the same rate, his aggressiveness and willingness to initiate offense helped create opportunities for both himself and his teammates.</p>
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<p>Looking ahead, the Yellowjackets will rely heavily on Laird to maintain that level of assertiveness on the offensive end. By leveraging his length and physical tools to score at all three levels, he remains a key piece in the team's offensive structure and a player capable of swinging games in their favor as the season progresses.</p>
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Prospects from all over the great State of Oklahoma delivered an exceptional slate of performances this past week, with elite talent on full display across the area. From dominant individual showings to pivotal moments that shaped outcomes, athletes consistently rose to the occasion and set themselves apart. Each performance reflected preparation, intensity, and a high level of competition. Today, we highlight the best of the best, the standout efforts that defined the week and established the standard moving forward.
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