Five Takeaways: Broken Arrow vs Bishop Kelley
In the third game of the High School Hoops Showcase at the BOK, Broken Arrow held off Bishop Kelley on Saturday afternoon to pick up their 19th win of the season 59-47. The duo of Caleb Huffman and Braden Boyer led the way for the Tigers. Ryan Gendron put up a strong effort for Bishop Kelley in the losing effort.
Boyer finding his rhythm
Braden Boyer is starting to find his niche in the Broken Arrow offense. Early in the season, the Tigers forgot about Boyer in the paint limiting his touches. There has been a resurgence from Boyer in the last couple of weeks with his touches rapidly increasing. Broken Arrow is at their best giving Boyer looks inside for high percentage shots. He has also done a good job of developing low post moves. The Tigers are starting to piece things together making wise plays with the basketball. Boyer could end up winning them a game with his strong play in the state tournament.
The steady hand
The player in the starting five for Broken Arrow that won’t instantly jump out to the casual high school hoops fan is Major Smith. However, Smith might be the key to Broken Arrow winning the state championship. He calms the team down running the offensive smooth and effective. Broken Arrow is at their worst when they get out of control, which is what Smith helps with the most. He gives Broken Arrow stability with his good handle, vision and most of all is a team, first player. Smith is the glue to the Broken Arrow Tigers team. When needed to score Smith steps up with a good jumper especially from three-point range and quickness off the dribble that allows him to get open.
Mr. Smooth
The award for the smoothest player in Oklahoma will go out to Camryn Dennis for this year and next. When you watch Dennis you expect at least one big-time highlight play every game. He got a steal and delivered a rim-rattling dunk in transition to obliged those in attendance today. The dunks are exciting, but what is going to get him recruited at the NCAA Division I level is his handle, quickness and athleticism. One area Dennis is head and shoulders above others is his ability to change pace with the ball in his hands at a moments notice. It makes Dennis very hard to guard when he is driving to the basket. Dennis is rising in the 2019 Oklahoma Class with his strong performance at Broken Arrow this year.
Bight Spot: Ryan Gendron
Gendron ended the game with a great outing of 21 points to lead the Comets. He is a 6’3 Wing with a good strong build. If he was not committed to Oklahoma State for Baseball Gendron would be receiving more basketball interest. He has a good stroke from three-point range with a solid handle that allows him to be successful driving to the hoop. The strong build of Gendron helped him finish around the basket against Broken Arrow. If Gendron opted to play basketball he could be a quality player for an NCAA Division II program.
Huffman leading the charge
Broken Arrow was led by Caleb Huffman 2018 Combo Guard with 22 points. He garnered a lot of baskets in transition running the fast break effectively. Huffman was an energizer bunny for the Tigers especially on the boards. He will be one of if not the top JUCO or Prep School prospect out of Oklahoma in 2018. Huffman has the opportunity to go to a JUCO or Prep and sign with a Mid to High Major NCAA Division I program if he takes care of business. What separates Huffman is his length at 6’4 with the skill set to run the Point or play off the ball at the 2. Huffman is extremely athletic. The school Huffman lands at next year will have to continue to work to develop his game, but the potential is there for him to be a good addition for a Division I program at the next level. A year in a Prep or two years in a JUCO could be the best thing for Huffman’s basketball career because it will give him time to develop.
For more information email Matt@prephoops.com