The Outlet: 6A All-Step Up Team
The Outlet is a weekly column that touches on different topics around the state of Oklahoma hoops. When people hear the overused phrase “step up”, they automatically take it as a negative and assume that player is playing poorly and…
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Continue ReadingThe Outlet is a weekly column that touches on different topics around the state of Oklahoma hoops.
When people hear the overused phrase “step up”, they automatically take it as a negative and assume that player is playing poorly and needs to get back on track.
Stepping up your game isn’t exclusive to players in a slump. These are five players who are playing well but can take it to another level.
Most of these guys are not the best player on their team but they play a significant part in what their teams do to have success. If they put a good 3-4 game hot streak together, their teams could hold up the gold ball in March.
All-Step Up Team:
Carlos Coppage 2017 Edmond North
Being a transfer point guard can be tough, especially when you are thrust onto a Top 25 team in the country with multiple studs expecting you to get them the ball. Coppage has adjusted quickly and has had some big games for the Huskies.
Edmond North is one of the favorites to make it to the championship. For the Huskies to fulfill their potential they need their talented senior guard to take his game to another level which would make North impossible to guard.
DJ Walter Jr. 2018 Midwest City
Keyshawn Embery and Jalen Richmond get all the attention for MWC but Walter is the barometer for the Bombers. At 6’5, Walter can shoot the three and has developed the ability to attack off the dribble.
Walter is playing really well heading into the playoffs and MWC is tough to beat when he is on. Everyone is familiar with his fellow 2018 teammates but if the Bombers win the championship it is because Walter showed up big.
Chris Braggs 2018 Putnam City North
Braggs just gets buckets. There is not a whole lot to say after that. The junior forward has been a mismatch problem all season for defenders.
He is the third best player on the Panthers squad but there are numerous games this season where Braggs has taken over games with basket after basket.
Braggs will be key if this young PCN team can get to the ship.
Trey Palmer 2017 Westmoore
Palmer is the starting power forward for a talented Westmoore team who has tapped into their potential this season.
Palmer is a “do-it-all” forward who score in the post and can hit open threes. He is an excellent rebounder is also the vocal leader for the Jaguars.
Standing at 6’5, Palmer has played well coming down the stretch. However, to make if far in the playoffs, Palmer must try to dominate his matchup to compliment Will Graham and Damoriea Vick on both ends of the floor.
Gerren Jackson 2017 Putnam City West
Jackson is one of the better guards in the state. His combination of size and scoring ability is what makes him an intriguing college prospect. The only knock on Jackson’s game is his lack of aggressiveness on offense.
The smooth lefty can get to the rim when he wants and rack up free throws but their are moments where he defers to Greg Thomas and Nick Robinson.
If Jackson can take the attitude that every time he steps on the floor that he is the best guard out there then West will possibly make some noise. If not, the defending champs could be going home early.