Summer Standouts from the 5A Ranks

Oklahoma's summer basketball season delivered standout performances across multiple circuits, giving a glimpse of who could make major impacts this winter. With the release of the latest OSSAA reclassifications and current transfer information in mind, here are a few 5A players who caught my attention this summer.    [player_tooltip player_id='2499145' first='Austin' last='Johnson'] capped off an impressive summer with a standout performance at the NXTPRO Finals in Orlando, Florida. He caught quite a bit of attention after throwing down a nasty tomahawk slam on a fastbreak possession, earning thousands of views across social media. Austin is the type of guard who really does it all. He'll put himself in the paint for touches and rebounds, create scoring opportunities from the perimeter, get in the ball handler's face defensively, or attack his defender and draw the defense in before kicking it out to an open shooter or big man. His ability to impact the game in several different ways makes him a valuable piece on both ends of the floor. Johnson's versatility and high motor allow him to stay involved even when the shot isn't falling, giving his team another reliable playmaker heading into the winter.     I think I have to mention the other Johnson brother from Carl Albert, 2029 standout [player_tooltip player_id='2441152' first='Gibson' last='Johnson']. He's solidified himself as one of the top, if not the best, prospects in his class here in Oklahoma. His ability to impact the game across all 94 feet is a major reason why. Gibson brings extreme talent and leadership to the floor despite being one of the younger players on the floor. He's always one of the most vocal guys on the floor, constantly communicating with his teammates and getting them where they need to be.   Once Johnson gets in his zone, it's hard to prevent him from lighting up the scoreboard. He has the ability to create his own shot, attack the basket, and make plays for others when the defense collapses. His combination of leadership, skill, and competitiveness gives him all the tools to continue making noise as one of Oklahoma's top young prospects.     [player_tooltip player_id='2499143' first='Kolson' last='Smedley'] deserves way more attention and recognition than what he gets. He easily has the skillset, frame, and feel for the game to take his talents to a collegiate squad next year. When Kolson attacks, he produces. He's always patient with the rock and knows when to make his move to score. He makes smart decisions, plays with confidence, and finds ways to score with ease. Smedley shoots the ball well from all ranges, has a soft touch around the basket, and can knock down shots when defenders give him space. On the defensive end, he uses his instincts to disrupt passing lanes and create opportunities for his team in transition. His combination of size, patience, and scoring ability makes him a player I believe deserves much more attention heading into the winter.     Coming off a breakout junior season at Berryhill, [player_tooltip player_id='2834325' first='Zhacari' last='Jackson'] will be attending East Central next winter to finish his high school career. In doing so, he will be a major piece of the Cardinals' backcourt as they look to chase the gold ball. This summer, Jackson ran with ProSkills, giving him a great opportunity to continue developing his game against strong competition. Jackson had a standout performance one weekend in Kansas on the Recruit Look circuit, averaging nearly 17 points, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 3 rebounds per game.   He's a shifty guard who can easily get defenders to bite on his first move before attacking the open lane. Jackson has a soft touch around the rim and does a great job using crafty finishes to get the ball up and around defenders. He's comfortable creating his own shot but also has the vision to find his teammates when the defense collapses. His ability to create offense while also making plays defensively should make him a major factor for East Central this winter.     [player_tooltip player_id='2415463' first='Deacon' last='Lyles'] made my Norman Session 9 First Team for the 2029 class back in May this summer on the NXTPRO Circuit. In that event, he averaged nearly 20 points and 8 rebounds a game. He was a force at all spots on the floor. One of his best performances came from a tough matchup against an AAO Flight team where he dropped 22 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and tallied 4 major swats. Right before that game, Lyles showcased an even better execution as he scored 28 points backed by 5 shots from beyond the arc. With that, he added on 9 rebounds to emphasize his ability to dominate in several key areas that add to his dynmaic threat. He's a very valuable weapon that can be applied to any offensive or defensive scheme. Deacon will be very helpful for the Newcastle Racers as they look to defend their 5A State Title.

Oklahoma's summer basketball season delivered standout performances across multiple circuits, giving a glimpse of who could make major impacts this winter. With the release of the latest OSSAA reclassifications and current transfer information in mind, here are a few 5A players who caught my attention this summer.