Midwest Basketball Showcase: Oklahoma Schools Preview

The Midwest Basketball Showcase is set to begin this Friday in Columbia, Missouri. With 20 schools representing the state of Oklahoma, we wanted to take a look at some of the top names that we will be keeping an eye on. The showcase will give us some elite team matchups as well. We will also dive in on some of the best games featuring Oklahoma high schools.    Look for Sykes to lead the way, as his Knights face some tough competition in the showcase. Friday will see the Mountaineers from Rogers (AR) as a tough opponent for his squad. Rylen is a fantastic athlete who excels both on and off the ball defensively. Look for him to impact the game from that end and spark transition opportunities for himself and others. They will need him to play at a high level to slow down the combination of Owen Crawford and [player_tooltip player_id='3536423' first='Braxton' last='Schuckman']. Crawford is combo guard that can really fill it up as a shooter with deep range. As for Schuckman, his length could pose problems with his ability to guard multiple spots and cut to the rim away from the ball. the 6'4" sophomore continues to grow on the offensive end of the floor.     It is well know how dominant Washington has been playing on the prep circuit. His recruiting has taken off with many high major and blue-blood college programs offering him this spring. It will be intriguing to watch McAlester against a very good Farmington team on Friday, who won 30 games this past season in Arkansas. The Cardinals will look to lean on both [player_tooltip player_id='2637777' first='Press' last='Taylor'] and JJ Moore. Both of which can handle the ball at a high level, while providing different dimensions of offensive play with the ball in their hands. Taylor is a smooth shooter who can operate from long range and in the mid-range, while Moore has fantastic vision and is able to setup teammates through his passing.     Look for Hooks to continue to carry the momentum that he has built so far in summer league play for Catoosa. We all know about his offensive skill and ability to score from all three levels. However, we are most intrigued to see him bring his physicality on the defensive end to lead the charge for the Indians. He will need to be at his best against MICDS (MO) on Friday to give his team a chance. The Rams won their first state title in 24 years, bringing home the Class 5 crown against Sikeston last March. [player_tooltip player_id='2348242' first='Tyler' last='Ray'] is a 6'4" wing for the Rams that Catoosa will need to keep in check. His length and slashing ability could pose problems if he is able to use his physical strength and get into the paint.     Pogi will also be tested matching up against the Rams from MICDS. Expect the junior to be the best player on the floor and look to takeover in this one. His shot-making is at an all-time high and he looks to continue his outstanding shooting that he has carried from the prep circuit back to his high school club. While MICDS are the reigning state champs, look for them to struggle to keep up if Pogi is on his game. The losses of seniors Brandon Clemens and Keshon Mims will be too much to overcome in this one.     Duffie looks to lead the way for Cascia Hall against a tough St. Xavier (KY) team on Saturday. The soon-to-be senior provides it all on the offensive end. He is poised in big moments and can score in a number of different ways. Look for Duffie to use his strength to work past defenders and setup others. He is able to read defenses at an exceptionally high level. St. Xavier will counter with an exceptional forward, in sophomore Jordan Jackson. Jackson is a long athlete that can cause problems defensively and block shots.     [player_tooltip player_id='2509295' first='Keaton' last='Murry'] will no doubt have a say in how the showcase unfolds for the Panthers. However, we wanted to highlight another guard for Putnam City North. Look for [player_tooltip player_id='1437034' first='Mekhi' last='Thomas'] to be another option that his teammates will turn to for shot creation against some tough competition. The Saturday matchup with De Smet Jesuit (MO), will no doubt pit Thomas against [player_tooltip player_id='2334929' first='Will' last='Foulk'] from De Smet. Foulk plays under control and can get into the paint and finish at a high level. While his shooting is always important, Mekhi will need to play well defensively to limit Foulk.     Hamilton will be on of the top shooters in the entire field this coming weekend. His long arms and quick release give him the makings of an elite shot-maker who is continuing to grow as a creator on offense. We wanted to spotlight his Mount St. Mary squad as they will be competing against Battle (MO) on Saturday. Hamilton will need to provide timely shot-making and solid defense to give his team a chance against [player_tooltip player_id='2334930' first='Brandon' last='Rooks'] and the Spartans. Rooks has been playing at a very high level recently as both a shot-maker and a distributor. He is without a doubt the engine for his club and always seems to provide what they need. The junior just received an offer from SIU-Edwardsville.     Both Bossell and [player_tooltip player_id='2805584' first='Kamren' last='Boone'] look to show what they can do for Memorial over the weekend. Bossell has been playing well with the ball in his hands for ProSkills. His ability to get past pressure while also reading help defenders has been something that he will look to carry over to this event with his high school teammates. Jarius has great arc on his shot and at 6'3" will look to shoot over smaller defenders. His ability to get past longer defenders who are not quite as athletic makes him a multi-dimensional player who poses a big-time threat to opponents. On Saturday, his Chargers will take on [player_tooltip player_id='2564266' first='Jon' last='Ernst'] and Jackson High School (MO). Ernst will provide a challenge with both his scoring and rebounding. The sophomore can step out and shoot the ball from deep at 6'9".

The Midwest Basketball Showcase is set to begin this Friday in Columbia, Missouri. With 20 schools representing the state of Oklahoma, we wanted to take a look at some of the top names that we will be keeping an eye on. The showcase will give us some elite team matchups as well. We will also dive in on some of the best games featuring Oklahoma high schools.