It’s felt like all season that Williams was building toward a performance like this in a big moment. He went for 26 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks. All season he’s often been too tall and too athletic. Making Newcastle super dangerous when they play through him. Which they did all night. He made highlight reels plays with dunks and a block that lead to a run out slam for a teammate. Perhaps most impressively he did it all on on only 14 field goals.

TJ Williams TJ Williams 6'5" | SF Mount Saint Mary | 2027 State OK ‘ senior season has been a culmination of all the little moments of potential he’s flashed over the last few years. The Thursday win was more of that, as he continues to make highlight reel quality plays with above the rim blocks and finishes. He was especially strong to close out the second quarter. Even mixing in his now more reliable shooting touch. Thanks to his fantastic motor, Williams’ production has finally caught up to his potential. But long term, the potential is still off the charts. As he has the natural traits to have one of the more successful college careers of any 2026 in Oklahoma.

Took over the game against McGuinness. Announced his presence with a skying putback slam and then kept applying pressure. Did a lot of his damage scoring around the basket, finishing with over 20 points for the game. While also delivering tone setting blocks and rim protection. But he’s not just a bruiser, he’s very mobile. Newcastle played aggressive trapping defense and Williams’ ability to move out and pressure is very disruptive. Even one point jumping a pass and racing for another slam. The senior has often played to his potential when watched this season, setting him up well for the next level.

The athletic hybrid forward prospect has been the main man for Newcastle in the games watched. Consistently all over the rims with big time slams. Put in spots where he can attack out of the high post. Then has the finesse and power to either score acrobatic layups or dunk it with authority. While Tuesday was a bump in the road, this young senior season Williams is finally having his production match the high potential level he’s displayed since his 15U summer. Including a team high 22 points in the loss.

Williams elevated his game this summer, and looks ready to fully take off. Which is fitting as his transition dunks are energy givers. Was the top athlete in attendance, with above the rim finishes and more. To go along with his bounce, Williams is continuing to refine his shooting ability. Especially in the mid-range, scoring off turnaround jumpers.

Williams is gaining momentum on the recruiting front. And from watching this game, it’s easy to see why. He was active on the glass throughout the contest, especially the offensive end. High motor play is always good to see, but his game is fully evolving. Looks more natural and confident when shooting jumpers. From turnarounds in the mid-range, to a few late in the game threes. Impressive signs that Williams has likely attacked the gym this spring and summer, with the goal to take his game to the next level. Recently has been offered by Southwestern, Metropolitan State, Mid American Christian, and University of Dallas.

In a Tuesday match up against one of the top forwards in the state, Williams was locked in. First he dragged his opponent out of the paint, making him pay with long jumpers. With the energy flowing, Williams then battled in the paint. Even drawing a charge against the stronger foe. There’s a ton of interesting tools for a player who can be a plus rebounder. Very exciting new piece of a Newcastle squad that is making noise this June.

There’s few prospects in Oklahoma with Williams’ advantages of height and athleticism. He put those natural tools to good use in the closing moments of the close contest vs ElevaTE. Had good defensive reps, either being physical against forwards or mobile enough to stay with drivers. Even made a great defensive rotation to help force a miss with a contest. When he’s locked in like that, Williams can change games. In the other contest he even showed great speed and hustle to make a chase down block. Those are the breadcrumbs of what Williams can be. And if he can fully harness those spurts, along with the jumpers he hit in the second game, the Southmoore Sabercat can have a long and productive career at the next level.

Last night’s playoff tune up against PCW provide a sequence of the impact and high ceiling of Williams. He protected the rim with a block, raced down the court, his teammates found him and he went behind the back to get by a defender and easily score. Few players in Oklahoma have the raw talent to make back to back plays like that.

He’s had a strong junior year for one of the better teams in 6A. As Williams has bought into the role of a rebounder, protecting the rim and being a rim runner, vertical threat on offense. The ceiling remains high for the Sabercart, and he seems to be only scratching the surface of his potential.

The talented guards of Southmoore are rightfully going to receive acclaim this year but for the Sabercats to reach their true potential Williams will be crucial. Which he was on Thursday. While there’s perimeter aspects to his profile, he’s now a long armed 6’7 and more than capable of being an utility guy in the post. Rebounded on both ends, ran the floor hard and was an important hub on offense. Not only when finishing when called upon, he’s turning into a good passing big. Passing out of post ups when a crowd draws near him, or taking a couple dribbles from the top of the key and hitting an open teammate in the corner. Very important glue guy with a vital role in keeping the Sabercuts humming on both ends of the court.