Howell’s main next level attribute will be his defensive versatility. He’ll be a point of attack defender against primary ballhandlers, while having the size and strength to also cover off the ball scorers and wings. In the semifinals loss for the Tigers, there were flashes of a scoring game that will be needed for him to thrive at the next level.  He led the way with 16 points and 9 rebounds.  There was promise with some of the mid-range shots he hit, and a near poster dunk he pulled off.  Becming a consistent threat from three will be a crucial next step. Especially as threes and defense are a clear path for him to become a next level contributor.

The junior is having a strong campaign for the Tigers and while he has many great traits that are appealing to college coaches, his defensive abilities might be number one calling card. Howell is a physical big guard, who has great instincts reading off the ball when it comes to steals and other havoc causing opportunities.  While also being able to sit down and play disciplined, on the ball defense.  His offensive game appears to be coming in spurts, with there being stretches where he looks college ready and others where he’s not assertive enough.  Overall, Howell’s size, defensive instincts and playmaking abilities keeps him as one of the top prospects in the junior class.

The third quarter was very encouraging sign from an offensive standpoint.  When Mustang looked they were going to run away with the game, Howell put the team on the back. He scored his team’s final seven points in the frame, while also connecting on three shots from beyond the arc in the third.  He’s a big, physical guard, who is smooth when getting to the rim or pulling up off the dribble.  Defense and playmaking are the natural strengths for the high upside junior, but these scoring bursts (especially from beyond the arc) becoming more consistent are a key part of unlocking his big time potential.

Howell is a do it all guard for the Tigers, with the upside to be the best defender in the state of Oklahoma.  He uses his huge wingspan to block, alter shots, deflect passes and scoop up steals.  He even takes charges.  When he does create changes of possessions or grabs rebounds, he does an outstanding job of looking ahead and getting it down court to teammates.

The junior did not shoot it well on the night from distance, but made a point to get it inside. Especially in the third quarter, in attempt to jump start the struggling Tigers offense.  As a big guard he’s comfortable posting up smaller foes, along with earning trips to the line.  More consistent shooting and scoring are the next step for Howell’s development. But his foundation as a defender and creator for his teammates is an outstanding base to build on.

One of the state’s top juniors scored 21 points in a  58-54 over a tough Mustang team. The win helped Howell’s Tigers claim the Bishop Kelley Invitational title and pushed their record to 4-0. It had been a quiet scoring start for the junior on the season. He’s a quality playmaker and set up man, but as the only returning starter along with his size and athleticism his scoring production should see a step up. It was a great sign that in their biggest game of their young season, he provided exactly that and earned MVP honors for his efforts. Tuesday will provide another chance for Howell to step up as they host Choctaw in a huge district clash.

As only a sophomore, Howell was a key part of Broken Arrow’s Class 6A runner up squad and particular clutch during the State Tournament with confident scoring and playmaking. A knee injury sapped him of a summer of development, but he’s started November looking good. With his size, athleticism and vision, he’s going to be a elevator and connector for an intriguing Tiger squad. And if he makes a leap as a scorer, Howell will be in the conversation of being the very best in Oklahoma come March.

Howell remains a strong bet on upside following his impressive run to the end the season as Broken Arrow finished runner ups in Class 6A.  After a knee surgery wiped out his spring and summer, he’s sure to be eager to return to the court this winter for the Tigers. In state programs, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Tulsa and Oral Roberts have all been keeping tabs on the high ceiling prospect as workouts and practices have started to unfold this fall. He’s the type of prospect who immediately passes the eye test thanks to great size for a lead guard, ease of movement and flashes of good court awareness.

To close out the season, he was even shooting it better from distance. Which is a good sign as he’s expected to take on a bigger scoring load as the only returning starter from last year’s team.  Howell’s return to the court will be one of the top stories this winter, as he looks to elevate his personal game and keep Broken Arrow a contender for the State Tournament.