Going Camping: Youth Movement at UCO

A few of Oklahoma's best 2029s shined in Edmond last week. While a few more youngster showed they had been working on their game since their freshman seasons ended.    At UCO, it was a complete performance for one of Oklahoma's top 2029s. Shooting it very well in a match up against a State Tournament quality opponent in the first first viewing. Then showing off his improved athleticism against another quality foe. The most notable instance came when he pulled away in transition from one of top athletes in the senior class and finished with authority with a rim rocker. The scoring mindset and feel have been very apparent since Hall stepped on the court with Catoosa at last year's UCO team camp. But the question was, when would the athleticism come in? A year we have our answer and it's positioning the now rising sophomore to have a dominant sophomore season for the 4A contenders.     Heritage Hall claimed a bracket title at UCO team camp and a big reason why was the excellent play by Young. He was in control with the ball in his hands, making it look easy. With a mix of taking older players off the bounce and eye catching passes. It was evident last season that Young has outstanding vision to try passes few would make. But his passes weren't always accurate. He was much more on the money, making flair like passes along with the right reads on crosscourt passes to shooters and hitting cutting teammates to the hoop. As a driver, Young currently isn't a burner. But he understands pace and how to change gears. Leading to him seemingly lulling the defense to sleep then gliding to for the rim. It was an exciting development for a player who already is a one of the best shooters in Oklahoma.     During the spring Noles was a long range bomber with LEGYNDS. With Norman, he's working on his ballhandling duties, splitting time with their outstanding senior guard. He came alive off the bounce in the second half of a close contest last Friday. Playing with more confidence, control and change of pace to knife his way to the rim. Including an impressive "And One" finish at one point. Good feel and was often athletic enough hang in the air just long enough to make a kick out pass or avoid a helpside defender The development of his handling at the 6A level is very promising. As Noles making a leap this winter will be key to help Norman aims of defending their title and extending their State Tournament streak to 5.     The talent isn't running dry anytime soon for the Tigers, as along with Noles they have Robinson. Robinson is the younger brother of Caison, who helped anchor the title run. Braelon is a promising athletic guard, who found his spots to score throughout a couple viewings at the camp. Did a little bit of everything against OCA. Posted up a mismatch and scored. Hit a crossover and then smartly finished lefty to use the rim to protect the ball from a shotblocker. And he can even hit the occasional jumper. One of the 2029 prospects with the most natural tools to flourish this winter with more varsity experience.     A southwestern Oklahoma find, Benson looks the part from an athletic and size standpoint. Fluid athlete, who had moments of getting after it on the offensive glass. And can use strong dribbles to be a physical driver and finisher. Right now he plays the role of a hard nose undersized forward, who can thrive by playing with a strong motor. Didn't see him shoot much, but the one shot he took his form was funky. Cleaning that up could pave the wave for him to be a perimeter prospect, as the raw tools are there for that transition.     Millhouse already has a year of heavy 6A experience under his belt, including playing in the State Tournament. It showed in a Monday viewing at UCO team camp. As he was a confident guard, playing with savvy beyond his youth. The youngster has been physically gifted for his age, with a strong frame. Impressively he looked quicker off the bounce, with a quality crossover that he used to explode for by defenders. If he continues to becoming more athletic, there's potential for this savvy guard to be one of the better scorers in the Class of 2029.     Wallace already has a good rep for his long range shooting abilities. Which he backed up at UCO team camp with some DEEP makes when watched. Impressively he's also becoming all around guard. Complete with good quickness off the bounce. Capable of breaking down the defense to stir the drink for his team, and create looks for his teammates. Had some good finishing moments too for a smaller guard. Could be a good bet of a classic heart over height guard who will rise by playing with a chip on his shoulder.

A few of Oklahoma's best 2029s shined in Edmond last week. While a few more youngster showed they had been working on their game since their freshman seasons ended.