High School Previews 2023-24: Choctaw
The calendar has turned to November, scrimmages have begun, and the season is here for small school programs and right around the corner for the rest of the state. The PrepHoops Oklahoma preview series will continue all month long with…
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Continue ReadingThe calendar has turned to November, scrimmages have begun, and the season is here for small school programs and right around the corner for the rest of the state. The PrepHoops Oklahoma preview series will continue all month long with team capsules, preseason All State Teams and more!
CHOCTAW YELLOWJACKETS: CLASS 6A
2022-23 Record: 20-9, Class 6A Semifinals
Returning Starters: 4
The Yellowjackets return the core of a team that in the Class 6A semifinals took eventual champs Edmond North to overtime. With quality shooters, athletic wings and physicality across the board, Choctaw are shaping up to be one of the deeper teams in Oklahoma. The key this year will be more consistency, because the highs of last year’s playoff run proved that the ceiling is there for Choctaw. But last season there were some blowout losses and some other head scratching losses that gave them a lower floor. A year older, it’s time to see if Choctaw can consistently be a top 5 team in the state and capable of winning three straight in March.
The returning starters are headlined by a great one-two duo from the guard spots with Ja’mon Valentine and Camden Hyman. The one senior that graduated, Cam Hunt, provided clutch plays last year but Valentine and Hyman are will situated to help replace his impact. Around that backcourt duo, the Yellowjackets blend in athletic, versatile and athletic seniors Isaiah Taylor, David McClarty and Will Smith. The impact of that three will most be felt on the defensive end. Junior Millet Steelman would likely start for most 6A programs and will provide key size and floor spacing. Junior newcomer Braeden Everage adds to their backcourt depth and sophomore Jordan Valentine Jordan Valentine 6'6" | SF Choctaw | 2026 State OK is a lanky wing prospect who can space the floor with a smooth jumper.
CIRCLE THE CALENDAR FOR: January 30th, vs Broken Arrow
Choctaw gets their season started off early with a trip to Illinois against quality competition later this month. The non-district tests continue by taking part in local mid-season tournaments; the McGuinness Classic and the Shawnee Invitational. Those are important measuring sticks all but the new Class 6A district system has changed the landscape of playoff seeding. Which likely will give extra weight to a late in the regular season match up when Broken Arrow travels down the Turner Turnpike to Choctaw. The Tigers are last year’s 6A runner ups and despite only returning one starter, will expect to be among the contenders for Class 6A district 4, especially by this point late in the season. The Yellowjackets successfully defending their home court against a Tiger team that should be able to match their size and athleticism, would be an important sign that the Yellowjackets are ready to make another run to the Lloyd Noble Center in March.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Valentine has been an impact player since stepping on the court for the Yellowjackets as a freshman. Being an iso scorer has been a key part of his DNA throughout his career, but he’s gradually added more to his game with improved intensity and feel on the defensive end. The merging of those traits came to fruition last year in the Class 6A quarterfinals, where his energy and scoring sparked a second half rally for overtime against Moore. Then in overtime, he hit a contested three to tie it and then seconds later had a steal and score to win it for the Yellowjackets. It’s one of the most clutch moments of any high school player in the last decade. Now with the clock ticking down on his high school career, what can this talented scorer add to his high school basketball resume?
Highlights
One of the top shooters in the Class of 2024, Hyman started out of as a situational sharpshooter as a sophomore to becoming a complete guard as a senior. He’s always been comfortable spotting up, even a few steps beyond the line. But now he has more juice off the dribble, with the ability to quickly pull up himself or fire on the money passes to cutting teammates. Combining with Valentine, the senior duo gives the Yellowjackets juice with floor spacing and creation abilities for their bigger squad. Hyman recently committed to Schreiner, a college near San Antonio.
A newcomer to Choctaw, Everage has already caught the eye of a fellow PrepHoops contributor at last weekend’s BA Showcase. And it sounds like his high motor, athletic playing style will fit in very well and make an instant impact with Choctaw. The Yellowjackets have a chance to be a very disruptive team on the defensive end, and the evolution of Everage this year could be a crucial part of that.