Red Hot in January

The weather may be turning subarctic in Oklahoma, but there have been blazing hot performances this month.    A foot injury wiped out the start of Coleman's sophomore season. Since then, he's been back with a vengeance. Earning tournament MVP honors at the Mike Kerr tournament. With double doubles in the semifinals and finals. He went for 27 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks in the title game. He's doing what potentially great players should do, looking too tall, too athletic and too skilled for the small town competition. His return has pushed the Eagles to the second spot in the OSSAA's coaches rankings. Their schedule gets a bit tougher to close out the regular season, with battles against 4A teams OCS and Crossings Christian. It will be must watch viewing to see how Coleman rises to competition.     Averaging over 30 points a game, Clark recently dropped 53 points in only three quarters. The athletic and powerful guard was dialed in from three in that victory, hitting 10 of them. His ability to produce showtime dunks in transition and shoot off the dribble makes him one of the most entertaining players to watch in Oklahoma. The Northeastern State signee is looking like a steal for the Riverhawks.     Western based Binger-Oney is up to 3rd in the Class B-1 rankings and have won 10 straight. The catalyst for their run is the senior, Allen. He poured 40 points in the championship game of Black Diamond Classic in Rush Springs. During spring and summer travel ball, he caught the eye for his extra gear and the pace he played at. He's now carving up small town defenses with ease and has the Bobcats positioned to make a trip to OKC in March.     One of the few true big guards/wings in Oklahoma, Smedley is a next level athlete. In one big performance against Guymon he got loose for 9, yes 9, dunks. But he's more than just an athlete, as he has a smooth scoring game. Went for 41 points against Altus at the Weatherford tournament. But perhaps his best scoring display came in a tough battle against Carl Albert. He drained six three pointers for 29 points, further proof that he can do it all on the court.     Another career high for the walking bucket. Pogi went for 47 points in a win over Sand Springs. Over the last five games, he's averaging 33 points. While also grabbing his fair share of rebounds. When watching Pogi last month, it was notable his ability to quickly generate points off defensive rebounds. Which is vital with the defensive focus on him. One of the purest shooters in Oklahoma since his freshman year, and he has developed the all around scoring skillset to match.     The Comets have been making waves in 5A, especially with the production of a pair of their transfers. But in last week's win over Newcastle, it was Morales who was the difference. He's been bombing threes for SAS since his freshman year. And it was no different when he hit 7 three pointers in that win. The junior guard was in his bag with deep off the dribble threes. Some had to be near 30 footers. Was unbothered by hands in his face. Finished with 27 points in that victory.     The signs were there this summer and fall that Litherland was close to putting it together as a scorer. His first two years showed he had the skill foundation. But importantly over the last six months is the development of his strength and fluidness. After good consistent performances in wins for top 20 4A team McLoud, Litherland torched Harrah for 40 points and the dub. This month he's also put 26 points on top tier 4A team, Mount Saint Mary. Plays with great control and feel, either getting to the rim or pulling up off the dribble with ease.

The weather may be turning subarctic in Oklahoma, but there have been blazing hot performances this month.