Oklahoma’s Top Performers: Stars Shining

Let's look at some players that are currently hitting their stride as we head into the last month of the regular season. We broke down recent performances and took a look at what has made each of these players so good recently.   [player_tooltip player_id='1949890' first='Emory' last='Smalley']   Guard   Blanchard   Smalley has been penetrating defenses well this season, averaging more than four assists per game. He has a very quick first step and knows how to play through contact. The senior features a nice spin move and can navigate through defenders thanks to his complete ball-handling. He has been on a tear lately and is averaging just over 19 points per game. Defensively, Smally reads passing lanes well and forces 2.5 steals per game. Most recently, against Woodward, Emory scored 23 points on an efficient 9/11 shooting. Smalley played off two feet in the paint and looked calm and under control when breaking down the defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='2352732' first='TJ' last='Williams']   Forward   Newcastle   Williams is one of the most versatile players in the Oklahoma City area. The senior is constantly affecting the game on both sides of the floor. He has shown the ability to step out and shoot from deep to go with his tremendous defense and rebounding. At 6'8”, he continues to cause opponents problems with his length and activity on a nightly basis. In a win over Del City, Williams scored 20 points while shooting 67% from the floor. To go along with his scoring, he provided 10 rebounds and four blocks. TJ shows outstanding timing and athleticism, providing momentum changing blocks on defense. His ability to seal players by working before the ball is swung to his side of the floor was on full display against the Eagles. He complimented his inside game with a quick release 3-pointer from the corner to keep the defense guessing.   [player_tooltip player_id='2215926' first='Kason' last='Haydon']   Guard   El Reno   Haydon has been scoring the ball well for his club. The senior has hit multiple 3-point shots in all but one of his last six contests. Haydon has unlimited range while also working well without the ball. His ability to attack the rim as a cutter has been something his team has relied on recently too. The senior is a very good athlete and looks to aggressively finish above the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552339' first='Kolton' last='Brammer']   Guard   Newcastle   Brammer complimented Williams well for the Racers against Del City. The senior poured in 16 points to go with his nine assists. Brammer does a great job of keeping his dribble alive and shows an ability to navigate past defenders while also staying under control with the ball in his hands. Kolton routinely reads the defense and makes simple basketball plays, whether that is pushing the ball ahead in transition or setting up teammates in the half court.   [player_tooltip player_id='1437034' first='Mekhi' last='Thomas']   Guard   Putnam City North   To close out January, the junior hit nine 3-pointers in a road win at Stillwater. Thomas does an outstanding job of spotting up in transition and making himself shot ready. His 29 points helped propel the Panthers to a 25-point victory. Thomas is outstanding at spacing the floor but has also begun to look more comfortable off the bounce and attacking the paint. Defensively, he shows good anticipation to go along with his athleticism. Look to see his name in the postseason as he is not afraid of the moment and wants the ball in his hands when clutch shots are needed.

Let's look at some players that are currently hitting their stride as we head into the last month of the regular season. We broke down recent performances and took a look at what has made each of these players so good recently.