Top Talent on Display in Prep School Clash

South Central Prep and Terra Verde are two non OSSAA programs who often play a national schedule. Thursday night was a rare opportunity to get an in person look at South Central Prep made the trip to play in Norman, the home of Terra Verde. It was also senior night for the hosting Owls. As they have a wide selection of Oklahoma high schoolers who chose to trade their final year at high school for the grind of a national schedule.    Franz got the Owls off to a strong start with a full display of his abilities. He's always been a smart passer, with good handles who can run an offense and set up his teammates. He did that, but also got busy as a scorer. Looked a tick faster and stronger on drives, or maybe just more confident. Then was also cooking with stepback threes and other more advanced moves. Franz clearly has put in the time and taken advantage of the reps in order to improve his scoring abilities.     Considering Hopkins suffered an ACL injury last spring and is still playing with a bulky brace, it's remarkable how fast he still is. Had a couple times on drives where he hit the jets and left defenders in the dust. Change of direction also looked to be coming back with the suddenness of his shifty moves. The area where he doesn't look to fully be his pre-injury self is his verticality. Will be an area to track as he continues to regain his full health. Still, very promising signs from a player who long been among the best prospects in Oklahoma.     The Owls have a three headed attack for their backcourt and Leache helped them pour it on. Closed out the first half with a deep three, and shot it well from distance in the second half with a few more makes. Picks up and battles on the defensive end. Those are his top two traits, as he's already strong and will likely be built like a tank once he gets into a college weight room. Can score it a bit off the bounce too, including a great spin move finish. Also did some playmaking in the second half, getting into the paint, drawing a crowd and whipping passes to open shooters.     One of the more consistent scorers for SCP. He's a crafty shooter, who plays with fantastic rhythm and balance when shooting off the dribble. Hit threes from deep and in the mid-range. His ability to dictate the pace when dribbling and play under control helps make up for not being the quickest or fastest player. Will be interesting to see how his body fills out strength wise, as he has a solid frame.     Quieter showing for the highly touted recruit. There weren't a lot of clean looks for the sharpshooter to pull from three. But did look good when attacking in the mid-range. Really elevates to finish high and shoot over defenders in the mid-range. Set up the defense well on an off the ball play with a nifty cut to the rim. Perimeter shooting is his primary DNA, but the signs are there he should develop into a complete offensive weapon.     One of the few bright spots on the defensive end for SCP. Malone was often covering or switched onto quick, smaller guards and he more than held his own. Moves his feet well, good anticipation and leverages his long wingspan to make life very tough for guards. Like the switch-ability potential he showed. Which pairs well with his ability to block shots on defense.     Good energy throughout the game from Stroops. Flew around for an impressive tip in at one point. Held his ground against stronger built and taller SCP players. Closed out the game with a few jumpers. Stroops is a promising collegiate prospect, because he can provide scoring punch and seems to be embracing defense and rebounding responsibilities. Which should help him adjust quicker to the next level.     Quick guard and tough guard, who recently committed to Midwestern State (TX). Plays fast but always looks under control, true floor general type vibes. Stays calm on drives, knowing how to buy that extra split second to either to score himself or find the opening to hit a teammate. Good mix of flair and fundamentals when running the show.

South Central Prep and Terra Verde are two non OSSAA programs who often play a national schedule. Thursday night was a rare opportunity to get an in person look at South Central Prep made the trip to play in Norman, the home of Terra Verde. It was also senior night for the hosting Owls. As they have a wide selection of Oklahoma high schoolers who chose to trade their final year at high school for the grind of a national schedule.