UCO Team Camp: Starting 5

It was a busy threes days of hoops in Edmond, with UCO's premier high school team camp bringing in teams from all over Oklahoma. The top bracket at the camp ended with Crossings Christian outlasting Norman. A fitting end, as they were two of the best teams at the event.   Let's kick off the written coverage of the camp with a starting 5 of prospects who caught the eye. And a bonus 6th man, who would be the perfect change of pace guard for this lineup.    Norman was rolling for much of the week and Billingsley made it look easy at the controls. It's likely safe to say he's the best passer in the state. Has already made exciting passes, but now does it more accurately and process the floor very quickly. From no look dimes in transition, touch passes in the halfcourt and more. The maturity to his game and the control he now plays with really elevates his long term potential as a lead guard. His consistent jump shooting and good finishing at the rim, always seems to get the roll, make him one of the best players in Oklahoma.     After a couple years at the home school ranks, Mason has joined an exciting OCA team. He's been a bowling bowl getting downhill this month. Which continued at UCO, complete with improving athleticism. He's starting to slam it home in the halfcourt. Plays physical but also can be deceptive to change his pace on drives. Makes for a dynamic duo with sophomore Coleman. They have the potential to change the landscape of the Class A State Tournament next March.     Stroops does a good job of balancing his long term potential as a perimeter player, while also playing in the interior and rebounding for Pocola. Attacks mismatches downlow, pump fakes and is very efficient at the rim. Smooth as a pull up shooter, capable in mid-range or from behind the arc. Flashed some above the rim finishing ability as well. Complete scorer, who is taking the responsibility of keeping the strong recent tradition at Pocola going.     Young, gangly, still growing forwards like Barber are fascinating to watch. Because day to day, he can look completely different. At times during UCO Team Camp, he still looked like a younger prospect, counting his steps to dunk it properly. Then today, he brought the hammer in transition and more. In the title game, he was impressively still springy. Showing next level athleticism with a behind the back move, then exploding off two feet to drop the hammer. Very intriguing above the rim potential as a finisher, rebounder and shot blocker. Mix in some three point shooting, and Barber is poised to jump a level or two as a junior.     In a Tuesday match up against one of the top forwards in the state, Williams was locked in. First he dragged his opponent out of the paint, making him pay with long jumpers. With the energy flowing, Williams then battled in the paint. Even drawing a charge against the stronger foe. There's a ton of interesting tools for a player who can be a plus rebounder. Very exciting new piece of a Newcastle squad that is making noise this June.     Shaw is a speedy guard, who sets the tone when on the court for the Eagles. He's one of the top returning players for DC, and it shows in how he leads the team. Plays with infectious energy, active on both ends of the court. Can get downhill and finish himself, or hand out assists due to the problems his speed can cause the defense. Ideal senior guard for a gritty team, as he can be a connector on offense. And disruptive on defense.

It was a busy threes days of hoops in Edmond, with UCO's premier high school team camp bringing in teams from all over Oklahoma. The top bracket at the camp ended with Crossings Christian outlasting Norman. A fitting end, as they were two of the best teams at the event.