What did we learn about PC West?
Putnam City West made their way down to the Thanksgiving HoopFest in Dallas this weekend. The Patriots took one two tough Texas opponents falling in both contests by single digits. Prep Hoops was on hand scouting each game.
So what did we learn about the Patriots?
PC West is very young
The Patriots are probably the youngest they have been since head coach Lenny Bert took over the program. 2020 Combo Guard Rondel Walker is head and shoulders the best player on the PC West roster. Walker was out this weekend with an ankle injury. The senior leader of the team is Point Guard Greg Thomas. He did not have his best showing this weekend but will be a name most in the basketball community come to know well by the end of the year. Young players had opportunities to play big minutes with several taking advantage. Yes, PC West is young, but don’t sleep on the Patriots becoming a state team in March.
How long will Walker be out?
This is the biggest question surrounding PC West. He has an ankle injury that has kept him out of the first two games of the season. We were told this weekend to expect him back sometime in December.
Who stepped up?
Although the Patriots lost both games this weekend there were a lot of positives that we saw. 2018 Point Guard Kalen Wade was huge providing a scoring boost for them off the bench. MJ Warrior showed flashes of how good his talent can be at the Point Guard spot as a creator and scorer. Jaylen Rainey is one of the best athletes in the state of Oklahoma. Rainey flew through the air making an impact on both ends of the floor. Tobias Roland gave PC West great minutes as a starter with consistent strong finishes. Shelby Sampleton had flashes of big-time shooting from the perimeter.
PC West has a great core forming
The Patriots have a young core forming that will help them compete for titles in the present and future. 2020 Guards Rondel Walker and MJ Warrior are going to make a dangerous duo in the 2020 Oklahoma Class. Walker and Warrior will be perfect running mates as they can both handle the ball and create for themselves and others. Tobias Roland in the 2021 Class will be right behind Walker and Warrior lending a helping hand on the Wing. The trio of Walker, Warrior, and Roland could be one we look at in three years as a lethal combination.
For more information email Matt@prephoops.com