5 Small Town Heroes from the Expo

Basketball talk in Oklahoma often centers around the two metro areas. However the tradition of basketball from the western panhandle to hilly eastern Oklahoma runs deep. At last Sunday's expo, players from all over Oklahoma converged in Edmond. Here's 5 players who made the most of their drive to the 405.    Jones was an impressive do it all guard. With his sturdy frame he plays strong and tough on both sides of the ball. Moves his feet and uses his strength to make life hard on opposing ball handlers. Also caught the eye for making the right, unselfish passes in transition and to cutting teammates in the halfcourt. His high school accolades have proven his scoring bonafides, so it was great to get an in person look at Jones' full skillset. As he does some of the little things that will appeal to college coaches.     Stogner came into the camp as an unfamiliar face and quickly made his mark. He has legit next level height with real playmaking chops. Has strong peripheral vision, capable of making real no look passes. Handles are solid, which also helps him process the floor quickly. Provided plenty of scoring punch as well. Compact and quick release as a spot up threat, while also playing smooth and in control on drives. Heady player, who has next level potential due to height and skillset. Expect Class A Rock Creek to improve on last seasons' 18 win mark.     The sophomore averaged double figures as a freshman and had one of the purer shooting strokes at the camp. What made his shooting impressive is how he attacked close outs. Uses his dribble confidently to get into the mid-range and has the same on the money form when hitting pull up jumpers from the around the free throw line. It's been a couple years since Stillwell made the State Tournament and over a decade since they won a game at State. If Saturday was any indication of Bagby's shooting ability, Stillwell is positioned to make some noise in a new look Class 4A.     Brown has been putting up numbers in the southern Oklahoma small town ranks since his freshman year. So it was no surprise when he came to the camp and got busy off the bounce. He's quick and strong on drives, finishing with either hand. Along with his natural athletic gifts, he's smooth and well drilled with gather steps and other footwork when avoiding defenders on. As a shooter, the lefty's form is a little unique but looks effective. Including getting the shooters' bounce on a made triple. Brown's ability as a box office scorer should have his new school in the Class A State Title race.     Another rising sophomore sharpshooting from eastern Oklahoma. Has deep range from three, with a clean and smooth release. Deep shooting appears to be his calling card, however he can do some damage off the dribble as well. One instance came when he took advantage off a ball screen, then hit a smooth one legged runner from around the elbow. Roberts is an intriguing young bucket getter to keep tabs on.

Basketball talk in Oklahoma often centers around the two metro areas. However the tradition of basketball from the western panhandle to hilly eastern Oklahoma runs deep. At last Sunday's expo, players from all over Oklahoma converged in Edmond. Here's 5 players who made the most of their drive to the 405.