After a slow start, it was Valentine who sparked a rally and eventual double digit lead. Looked a different player from last week’s Mustang tournament. Keyed the Choctaw press with steals and other harassing plays. Was smoother and more confident in his jumper and handle. The late developer is still growing height wise, giving him some of the growing pains often associated with younger players. But if Valentine is able to find the form he started the year with, the Yellowjackets will be a very tough out in 6A.

The lefty is arguably the most improved player in Oklahoma’s senior class. Has reached new levels as a perimeter shooter, including off the bounce. Went toe to toe with a very talented The New School program out of Arkansas. Cooking defenders off the dribble with threes. Then was covering smaller guards and a future 6’9 power four wing.

Defense already gave him a great floor when it came to be a collegiate player. And developing his ability to be a 20+ point scoring night in and night out, should open new doors when it comes to his recruitment.

One of the best parts of this job is watching the prospects who steadily improve.  There’s always going to be a handful of kids who weren’t on, or barely on the radar as freshmen and sophomores, who end up among the best in the class.  It’s an exciting sign, because it meant something clicked mentally for them and they applied themselves in the off season. Valentine might be the best example of that in Oklahoma’s senior class.

Always known as a defensive first wing prospect, there were promising moments this past winter. But he hadn’t fully unlocked his offensive game. Now, his handling has taken a leap. And so has his confidence. Valentine was cooking defenders off the dribble, moving a lot like his explosive scoring older brother Ja’Mon (who is now a sophomore at Seminole State).  To go along with sizzling perimeter shooting, he had outstanding touch around the rim. 

The Choctaw senior was moving different and looks ready to take his senior season to a whole another level. Especially as he’s still a dogged and tough defender.  Big time target for Oklahoma JuCos, or for D2 programs who still recruit high school kids.  Can potentially see paths to playing at the Division One level as well. 

Not as flashy as some of the other defenders on this list, Valentine is next level translatable in the way he approaches defense. Defends with his feet against smaller guards, with great lateral movement and attention to detail. While also tall and athletic enough to match up with taller forwards. A true wing prospect, who has found his footing on the defensive end while the rest of his game develops.

Offers from Redlands and Oklahoma City were just rewards for a strong junior campaign and effective start to Valentine’s AAU campaign. He’s a Swiss Army Knife prospect, who keen basketball observers appreciate the subtle impact he has on both ends of the floor. A versatile and switchable defender, he also takes efficient and effective shots in the flow of the offense. A late bloomer compared to many prospects, the still growing wing has one of the brighter futures in Oklahoma’s Class of 2026. Especially because he brings more to the table than just getting buckets.

The late bloomer is putting in a strong case for being the best defender among Oklahoma’s current juniors. Has great lateral movement for his size, including the ability to stay with and lock down smaller guards. The lefty is a solid offensive player, capable shooter and has flashes of a dangerous off the dribble game. Seems to be knocking on the door of making a big jump as a prospect and is set for a strong high school close. And even bigger grassroots season.

Often Valentine is tasked with playing defense and hitting threes. Those are two aspects he excels at. As for a taller wing he moves great laterally, allowing him to cover quicker guards. And his size and athleticism allows him match up with taller players as well.

In the title game with Choctaw down a starter, Valentine stepped into a bigger scoring role. Which he flourished in. Knocked down long jumpers, then attacked the rim with nimble movements when the defense closed out on him. Had a great coast to coast score too. The junior is a bit of a late bloomer, who is starting to find his swagger as one of the higher upside prospects in the Class of 2026.