January Wrap Up: An Whole Another Level

Wrapping up the players in January who reached a new level in their play.    Wilks is the man at the controls of Oklahoma's best team, which raise the question: is he player of the year? Millwood's win over Booker T Washington earlier this month is a strong case for his candidacy. He's the heartbeat of the Falcons. Never looks flustered and seemingly always looks locked in. Always hits timely jumpers in the mid-range and from three. Locks up on defense, and seems to fill his teammates with energy and leadership.   There's nothing too flashy about the senior guard. He simply produces. Louisiana is a fitting landing spot, as their head coach Quannas White was a no frills, tough as nails guard on the 2002 Oklahoma final four team. So who better for the son of the NBA player to continue his basketball education under?     Since Matulis broke onto the scene as a sophomore, he's always played with fearlessness with the way he flew around. Which has led to plenty of highlight reel plays and amazing hustle defensive plays over the years. Somehow in the game against Millwood, he found another gear while playing with his hair on fire. Had one of the highlights of the year with a putback dunk. Then capped a third quarter rally with a cold as ice three. Even on a court with D1 caliber athletes, Matulis still stood out. Which given his height, shooting ability and athleticism, he has D1 traits as well.     For Douglass to challenge for the 4A State Title, Kpogba was going to need to find another gear. He did that in an overtime win over Heritage Hall. He found the extra gear with lights out shooting from deep, while remaining one of the springiest athletes in the state. Since then, he's remained on a tear. Racking up the 20+ points game and being one of the most exciting players in Oklahoma to watch. Expect that to continue with the playoffs right around the corner.     Harding Charter nearly took down top 5 Class 3A Heritage Hall on Thursday night. And it was Ferguson leading the way, especially as the Eagles were down one of his top running mates. After being a sniper last year, Ferguson has added more to his off the bounce game. It's evident, especially when he pushes in transition. Has just a little more speed, to go along with good footwork and more strength as a finisher. The improved strength in his core is also notable in how he's able to navigate in the mid-range. Where he's tough shot maker. There are good signs that Ferguson is becoming a complete scorer, and could position the Eagles to be a 4A sleeper during the playoffs.     It's been an interesting month for the athletic wing prospect. And he capped it with a very strong performance in a road win over 4A Mount Saint Mary. Was springy with a big block at the rim and loads of rebounds. Kept the hardhat on with more scoring at the rim. Then he was money in the mid-range, especially in the second half. Hitting tough jumper after jumper. Was impressed with the way he took over the game and did it without pressing. "Boogie" has one of the highest ceilings in the state, but it's important he plays under control and continues to have fun with the game.     The perimeter evolution continues for Williams, which is made more impressive by the fact that he's pushing 6 foot 7 in height. Looks more comfortable and direct when driving and attacking. Has a bit more fluidity with his spin moves and other turns around the hoop. Turned into the go to man for the Rockets down the stretch of a tough game. Had impressive finishing even through contact for "And 1s." Liked how Mount Saint Mary put him in better position to go and attack closer to the hoop and mid-range. Williams will be a problem for many teams come playoff time.

Wrapping up the players in January who reached a new level in their play.