Championship Scouting at the Lincoln Winter Classic

Sign up for PrepHoops today with promo code OKHoops50 for a half off the first month    Johnson took home MVP honors for the tournament champs. In the title game he made his impact felt on both ends. Shooting it well from deep and attacking the basket. Then also making a handful of defense plays, including a transition block and another time ripping the ball away from a driver. Following a football season where he won a state championship, the rust seemed apparent two weeks ago at the Mustang Holiday Classic. But based on his production last week, Johnson has found his form in time for the stretch run. Which is a good sign for the Titans, as Johnson was very impressive during grassroots season.     The football star is finding his legs on the court and was a monster in the title game. Too quick, too strong while also playing under control off the dribble. Mixes the ability to stop on a dime for mid-range jumpers with powerful finishes at the rim fitting of a running back. All action player, who gives Carl Albert a toughness and strength edge in the backcourt.     Bright spot for Edison in the title game loss. Incredibly smooth and gifted with the ball for a freshman. Not the twitchiest athlete right now, but understands angles and how to dictate the pace to go around double teams and either distribute or knock down pull up jumpers. Hit from the mid-range and from three. Plays with a feel beyond his years and is a key part of a Edison team that is very much in the mix for a 5A State Tournament berth.     A versatile wing prospect for the Eagles, he went off for 29 points in the title game. Earning him all tournament honors. Was a force around the rim, even against a physical and tall 6A squad. Multiple And 1 finishes and getting on the offensive glass. It was also one of the games where Rhodes was dialed in a shooter. He's a bit streaky at times, but when on he can change games. One of those examples came when he drilled a big three as a trailer. Type of player who when he scores, they are often momentum swinging buckets.     East Central was a little slow out of the gates, then [player_tooltip player_id='2560570' first='David' last='Douglas'] happened. It felt like "Bubba D" create a 15-2 type second quarter run out of nowhere. He scored for part of it, including a transition dunk. But his transition playmaking and havoc causing defense directly led to more easy points for his teammates. Was credited with a triple double for his efforts. And his ability to turn defensive rebounds into transition opportunities makes his rebounds even more impactful. The absolute engine and heart for the talented Cardinals, who can produce even when plays aren't ran for him.     After watching Bezenah four times over the past two week, there's a lot to get excited about. Along with some clear areas of improvement for him to unlock his high potential. Let's start with the good. He's legit tall, with an even longer wingspan. Often leading to at least one or two highlight reel play with a block or a dunk each game. Form is good and he looks comfortable as a stretch forward hitting threes. Even can put it on the deck enough to be a face up threat against close outs.   Now for the area of improvements. His hands need to work to improving his finishing. This was quite apparent in the game against East Central as he fumbled some scoring opportunities at the rim. Would project his long term potential as more of a modern stretch forward, who is switchable on defense rather than a true wing. Rebounding and blocking shots will impress college coaches more than between the leg dribble combos. Eager to continue to track his improvements, because the potential is high.     The do it all junior had a team high 17 points in Collinsville's starter win. Also grabbed 6 rebounds and handed out 3 assists. Had some good moments as a secondary creator, making simple but important passes to teammates. Starting to get a strong framer, making him tougher as a rebounder and finisher. Like the overall intensity he plays with and has been trending upward this junior season for 5A State Tournament contenders Collinsville.     It wasn't the best shooting day for Carter, as he left quite a few shots short. Could be a factor of a third game in three days, which is something he'll need to build on considering the grind that is the Class 4A playoffs. But it was still a promising viewing of the small town junior. He finished with 13 points. Has a pretty form on his jumper and is very smooth getting into shots on pull ups. Athleticism was very apparent, especially when racing back to contest and even block shots in transition. Has a gliding nature to his movements that can't be taught and makes him a promising prospect. Is also a football standout, but should have similar opportunities in basketball as well.

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