#PHOKState: Top shooters in 17U, Pt. IV
The list below includes the names and brief evaluations of the best shooters in the 17U age bracket at the 2019 Prep Hoops Oklahoma State Tournament. Please note that the players listed are among the players I was able to…
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Continue ReadingThe list below includes the names and brief evaluations of the best shooters in the 17U age bracket at the 2019 Prep Hoops Oklahoma State Tournament. Please note that the players listed are among the players I was able to watch, exclusively.
Pt. I | Pt. II | Pt. III | Pt. IV
Trey Alexander 2021 Team Griffin 16U/Heritage Hall point guard
- Playmaker
- Deep shooter
Prep Hoops’s Matt Reynolds mentioned on Twitter that Oklahoma’s top-ranked 20201 prospect, Trey Alexander, has excelled in his newfound primary on-ball responsibilities this summer, and I couldn’t agree more. Alexander showcased elite shooting from deep-range and further-improved his likeness as a one-guard with off-dribble shooting. Earlier this summer, Alexander was the subject of some criticism as some called for a dismantling and reassembling of his shooting motion. Alas, Alexander stayed true to his practice, took to the gym and trusted himself, and it his shooting performance at the Oklahoma State Tournament was indicative of his confidence.
James Locke 2021 Oklahoma Power 17U/Carl Albert wing (pictured above)
- Volume shooter
- Quick release
James Locke did a fantastic job of shooting the ball over the weekend, especially on opening night, as noted by Matt Reynolds. Locke, when he heats up, can be a true knock-down guy from either wing. Locke’s jump-shoot is smooth, consistent and not-easily opposed thanks to his taller frame and high release-point. Locke was able to catch fire on a few occasions over the weekend and his team was the primary beneficiary in the process as he took good shots and got them off quickly.
Davion Warden 2020 Team Griffin 17U/Northwest Classen wing
- Gutsy
- Off-dribble
When you talk to folks about the Oklahoma City Public Schools basketball community, you’ll likely hear high praise about versatile standout Davion Warden. As an all-around scorer, Warden is one of the best in the area, but his shooting has improved more than anything else this summer. He now regularly hits three-or-more shots per contest from long-range and did not discontinue that trend at the Oklahoma State Tournament. Warden can pull-up from the dribble and hit a deep shot thanks to his improved release, but he still made a name for himself from the wing, as well.
Cade Dean 2020 H&H Elite 17U/Okemah wing
- Catch-and-shoot
- Playmaker
Six-foot-4-inch Cade Dean is a gamer from the 3-point line, a trait that he proved at the Oklahoma State Tournament. Dean made his money over the weekend from the corners and wings, where he utilizes his height to enact a high, quick release over defenders that can be near-unstoppable. Dean, like most shooters, has a hot streak that he can tap into at times, and when he gets on a role, you can’t do much to contest his shot.