Team Focus: I4 Baksetball 16U

I4's group of 2028 prospects have already started to put together a strong spring while gearing for UA Rise play. They have a mixture of rising sophomores who saw extensive varsity run this past winter and players eager to make bigger marks next season.   Are you an OKC area team and want a similar breakdown? Reach out to SamDuren@gmail.com with a practice schedule!    Heksett carved out a role for 6A semifinalists Putnam City North, and now is looking to take the next step this summer. At North, he picked his spots often as a shooter and had a clutch moment with a game winner at the rim in overtime of a pivotal district battle. Where he utilized a nifty euro step to blow by a taller defender. Now playing his age group, he's taking a more aggressive scoring role. Including a weekend where he averaged nearly 20 points a game. If Heskett keeps the momentum rolling, his development could be the key piece to helping PCN break through with Gold after a pair of State Tournament appearances.     Buckingham is one of the more promising true point guards in Oklahoma's Class of 2028. Has a sneaky extra gear in transition and off the bounce, and loves to pass just as much as scoring. Possibly even too much, as there have been consistently times when he should go up and score himself but looks to make a pass instead. Often his decision making is fantastic tho. Capable of making tight window passes to teammates around the rim, or kicking out to open shooters. His scoring production might not always be the loudest, but any success I4 has will likely come with Buckingham's fingerprints all over it.     The Newcastle youngster was limited in practice while recovering from a concussion, but has already made his mark with a weekend over double digit averages at the Circuit in Dallas. His upside is obvious, with good movement for his height. Especially as he might still be growing. While continuing to add strength and dominating the interior will be key for his long term success. Don't sleep on his ability to step out and hit jumpers as a stretch forward. Expect his high school production to flourish this winter, as he helps Newcastle defend the 5A crown.     Block-Jones has been an eye catcher in warm up lines since his freshman year at Union. But given the depth of size for the Redhawks, his varsity exposure has been limited. During 5 on 5 play and other full court drills, his big time athleticism was jumping off the page. While at times looking raw, his quickness is that of a wing and he did some damage off the bounce. Which he's especially dangerous with his ability to elevate. There's a lot of untapped potential for the 918 youngster and a big spring and summer will be key to him fulfilling his promise.     Williams had a bit of a sophomore breakout for the Sabercats as they made a 6A State Tournament run. On Tuesday night, his jumper (with range to the three point line) was working consistently. Bringing a hard hat mentality to go along with his skill level should make him one of the more productive 2028 posts in 6A next year. And it will also lead to success in AAU, which he already is starting to have. As evident by a honorable mention honor and double digit scoring average as the recent Circuit tournament in Dallas.     A light on his feet combo guard, who is dangerous off the bounce. Has grown to 6'3, making him even more dangerous when driving. Capable of getting all the way to the rim, or scoring floaters over taller defenders. Mix in three point shooting, and he's a player who should thrive playing off his skillful point guard teammates. Murchison has the potential to be a smooth multi-level scorer, and his production is starting to match that potential.     Chandler was a starter on Class A State Tournament team, Southwest Covenant. He's a multi-sport (football) standout, which gives him some grit and toughness when getting downhill. He'll provide additional ball handling and playmaking for I4 during their long tournament weekends.     While Flemon isn't traveling with I4 this spring and summer he was still at practice getting reps. Similar to his minutes off the bench this past season for Millwood, he is a flat out sniper from deep. Has range that extends past the high school line, which gives him a potential next level trait. While he's currently on the shorter side, he has a plus wingspan and the youthful signs of a youngster yet to hit his growth spurt.

I4's group of 2028 prospects have already started to put together a strong spring while gearing for UA Rise play. They have a mixture of rising sophomores who saw extensive varsity run this past winter and players eager to make bigger marks next season.