From providing a calming presence as a lead ball handler, crashing the glass, havoc causing defensive plays and more; Combs-Pierce did it all to secure a second straight trip to the Class 6A State Tournament for his Tigers.  He draws a lot of focus on the offensive end, and that has led to his development as a passer and creator out of the high post.  The senior’s “A Plus” decision making is often on display with him rarely taking bad shots, and setting up his teammates with good looks.  Defensively, he remains one of the most unique players in Oklahoma with the ability to alter shots all over the court, while also smartly hunting for steals.

The lanky wing-forward was the catalyst for Norman’s run the last two months that helped them claim the 6A-2 District crown. Combs-Pierce has taken his game to the next level a senior. He remains a destructive defensive threat, using his huge wingspan and great timing to be a strong shot blocker.  But he’s become more comfortable handling the rock, which has led to improved playmaking skills and the ability to confidently hit jumpers when teams sag off to account for his strong finishing ability at the basket.  The senior has chosen the JuCo route that is now the most common path for high school recruits.  He has a good chance to be an “One and Done” to the D1 level prospect while getting run in the Jayhawk with Independence Community College.

Oklahoma prospects that get to cut their cut teeth for a full spring and summer against elite national competition before their senior year, often come back and dominant the state.  Going against that elite competition must make the game feel slow in Oklahoma.  Especially for a prospect with Combs-Pierce’s combo of size and athleticism.  He’s racking up the dunks, from transition finishes, oops and more with ease. All while impacting the game all over the court as a defender and improved confidence as a scorer.

Combs-Pierce is one of the few, maybe the only one in the state that I would fully put a stamp on that he has the potential to defend 1-5 at the next level. I’ve seen him cover quicker guards on the national level and he has the height and wingspan to compete around the basket.  It remains baffling that has recruitment has never picked up more steam.  He was recently offered by Southwest Oklahoma State, so it could be picking up as four year programs start to target available high school seniors.

From the opening tip of the Joe Lawson Memorial tournament to the championship game, Combs-Pierce was a dominant force. He was a double digit scorer in all three contests, including a first quarter dunk show on Thursday.  In the title game he delivered 19 huge points as Norman took down their bitter rivals Norman North.  Going into last season, Norman North had dominated the Crosstown Clash.  Norman has now won 3 of the last 4 contests and Combs-Pierce’s play has been a big reason why.  The senior and his Tigers will get a chance to take down their rivals again, as they will host Norman North on Friday.

One of the top players in Oklahoma, Combs-Pierce did not disappoint from the opening tip. He opened the game with a rim rattling slam and would follow it up with three more dunks in the first quarter. Including a smooth, reverse alley oop. He made the game look easy on the offensive end, comfortably knocking down threes and getting to his spots in the mid-range. The senior isn’t limited to the impacting on the offensive end either, as he’s arguably the top defender in Oklahoma. One of the few players in the state who can actually guard 1-5. His long arms can pick the pockets of guards, while also being an empathic shotblocker at the rim. It’s unbelievable more D1 programs aren’t interested in Combs-Pierce and if his jumper has improved from the summer (on Thursday night it looked like it had), he’s the perfect fit for modern basketball.

After the Tigers’ suffered a road loss to open the season on Tuesday, the senior helped Norman defend homecourt with a 71-57 win over Yukon. Combs-Pierce put in his claim as the best defender in the state with three rejections, as the lanky wing-forward can clamp guards on the perimeter and turn the paint into a no fly zone. To go along with his defensive exploits, he had 21 points and 5 rebounds.

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One of the top unsigned seniors in the state, Combs-Pierce was a key part of a deep Norman squad that made a run to State in 6A. He’s arguably the top defender in the state, with his ability to cover guards to battling with bigs around the basket, his huge wingspan is useful in both cases. Offensively, look for him to a more explosive finisher this year for the Tigers, while also blending improved off the dribble scoring and even some creation for teammates.

The light started to come on for Combs-Pierce during his junior campaign with Norman, then fully turned on against national competition with Team Griffin . He’s the top defensive prospect in the state, one of the few players that could be described accurately as a potential 1-5 type defender at the next level. He makes use of his size and wingspan advantage when covering shorter players, while also using those some traits and grit to be competitive against opposing post players. The national competition highlighted that he does need to continue to improve as a shooter, but he does have a good off the dribble game with potential for highlight reel slams this year at Norman.

Combs-Pierce is starting to thrive agains the national competition, with impressive versatility on both ends of the court. For a Griffin squad that is short on reliable ballhandlers, he’s starting to take on more of the ball handling responsibilities. While on the defensive end, he’s doing everything from covering guards, which his wingspan and tenacious defensive tendencies are giving little guard issues. To a willingness to battle around the rim against giants from across the nation.

A promising sign for his developing offensive game was when he knocked down a pair of threes on Tuesday night. He was also efficient when attacking the rim in that contest, going 8-11 from the field with a game high 22 points against a big squad from California. Combs-Pierce has fully adjusted to this level of speed and athleticism, and is now shining on the nation’s highest grassroots platform.

One of the top defenders in the state, Combs-Pierce has the lateral mobility to slow down athletic guards and wings. While also having the wingspan and grittiness to mix it up around the paint on the defensive end. Along with his individual defensive skills, he’s also a good communicator on defense. A trait sure to endear himself to college coaches. Offensively there are flashes as a shooter and improving finisher.  After a summer of testing himself against elite national competition, look for Combs-Pierce to be a monster next winter.