Buckingham is only a few weeks removed from surgery and early on it looked there was some rust from his time off. In the second half he was the one who led the comeback charge. Closed the third with a flurry and made similar plays to start the fourth. Finally got a three to fall late in the third. While mixing in hard nosed, tough scoring around the rim. Even force a big five second count during the fourth quarter. He missed a couple good looks in overtime, which is sure to spur the tough guard to bounce back next week in the Area consolation bracket.

Buckingham was a Class 4A State Tournament hero last year for Crossings. Shooting the lights out (literally) when they beat Douglass in the semifinals. Then continued to be a big time shot maker in a narrow loss in the finals. Normally he could be penciled in to be automatic from three as Crossings chases their first Gold Ball since 2021. But a broken thumb on his non shooting hand has left his participation and efficiency in question. Thankfully, he was able to have surgery via Doctor Shin in California (yes, that Doctor Shin) and he should be returning these playoffs. Which as fierce as the competition is for Class 4A, the Knights will need the extra scoring punch and shooting that Buckingham provides.

Exploded for 30 points in the victory. He built his momentum early with hard nosed buckets at the rim. Has fantastic balance and improved handles to take the bumping of physical defending and still navigate his way to the rim. Knocked down a tough pull up triple late in the first half and that ignited his long range shooting form for the second half. The complete scoring effort was a reminder of the development Buckingham has made in the last year. And that the 4A Knights have a scoring guard they can turn to during tough moments even against the state’s best.

Only 11 points in the title game, but he was a go to bucket getter in the two earlier wins. Usually not a fan of the term sneaky athletic for white players. But in Buckingham’s case it might be apt. As there are moments where he’ll find leaping ability seemingly out of nowhere. In the title game it came when he nearly put an opponent on a poster.

While Buckingham only had 14 points compared to the 20+ points he scored yesterday, these felt more impactful. Tough, body control finishes with defenders draped off of him. Along with a couple deep threes made up his scoring output. One of those threes came after he crashed the glass, and ripped a rebound away from a taller defender. Buckingham’s buckets had weight to them, in the Knight’s semifinal win. Shockingly the senior didn’t make any trips to the line, something the crafty guard usually excels at doing.

As a junior, Buckingham had a breakout season as a top tier shooter. He was a beneficiary of playing next to arguably the best traditional Oklahoma point guard of the last few years. Which lead to quality open looks. With teams more focused on him, it would be expected that his efficiency might take a deep. But the way he shot it this spring and summer indicates there will be little drop off. Still bombing from spot up opportunity, while having a better bag of tricks to thrive in iso situations.

There’s always room at the next level for players who shoot it as consistently as Buckingham. Especially as he established his big game bonafides during the Knights’ run to the Class 4A State Title.

Bigger role, bigger responsibilities, no issues so far for the now senior sharpshooter.  Flat out sniper from deep, he broke out as a junior for the Class 4A State Runner ups.  Has continued this June, with torrid shooting at local events and the recent Midwestern Showcase.  Has range to 25+ feet.  Very good as a catch and shoot, but with a bigger responsibility is continuing to refine his off the dribble shooting. Especially money with 2-3 dribble moves, either getting to the mid-range, or simply relocating along the three point. Complete with nasty stepbacks.  The consistent production over the last nine months do not lie. 

Game high 25 points for the junior. He connected a couple of times from three early, then kept finding his way to the line. Where he went an impressive 16-19. Including clutch free throws to maintain the lead. Along with the scoring, he did a great job of handling the rock as Crossings’ secondary ball handler. It’s been a great season of growth for Buckingham, and because of the growth of his handles, his Knights are playing for the Class 4A State Title.

Full stat line for the junior. 17 points (5! threes!), 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Unofficially he didn’t have a block, but the camera doesn’t lie and he did have a swat where he made a good recovery after being beat while covering on the ball. It was kind of the perfect showcase for the type of season the junior has had. Buckingham will knock down threes, have some moments of creation, and is getting after it more and more on defense. He did all of that and more in helping Crossings to another State Tournament semifinals appearance.

The junior year breakout continues for Buckingham, as the skilled guard continues to provide a valuable scoring punch for Crossings. Had a game high 21 points with 5-9 shooting from three. Timely scoring down the stretch to stop a Dale run and help seal the game away. The rising guard is also buying in more on the defensive end, as he recorded 3 steals and is staying active. Even blocking a shot, that also led to transition points. Buckingham has made the most of his opportunity for a Crossings team that needed to reload around two senior stars, and he’s now a vital piece.