ORU Team Camp Program Report
Booker T. Washington lacks depth
The Hornets have the best talent to lead their attack in the state of Oklahoma with the trio of Bryce Thompson, Trey Phipps, and Seth Hurd. At ORU Team Camp with two of the big three out the Hornets showed off their youth on center stage. The role players at Booker T. Washington have some talent but are very young and inexperienced. Depth turned out to be a major issue late in the season for the Hornets last year. In order for Booker T. Washington to win a Gold Ball this season, they must develop the young talent, they have within the program.
PC North returns to be the favorite
PC North with the addtion of Tobias Roland from PC West and Micah Thomas in command the Panthers will be the team to beat in Class 6A. The gap between the defending champs and others is small.
Edmond Santa Fe center stage
Ben Smith, Jaylen O’Conner, and Donovan Vickers return from a state runner-up squad from a year ago. The Wolves also have some talented young prospects entering the fold. One thing is for sure, Edmond Santa Fe is not going anywhere in Class 6A. Expect the Wolves to be back at the State Tournament next March.
Westmoore could be the “sleeper”
The Jags could be the best sleeper pick for Class 6A this year. They graduated their best playmaker in Will Graham, but have some young pieces that put in the right positions could pull off some upsets this season. Remember the name, Ethan Scott. As a spot-up shooter, Scott is one of the best shooters in the state and he is just entering his freshman season. Anthony Riley and Jalen Breathe are two other players to keep track of at Westmoore.
Same Old Victory
Victory Christian will remain in the battle for State each year in Class 4A. They don’t have a particular guy that sticks out above the rest. They play hard, together, and for each other out on the court leading to great success.
Sapulpa might be the best in the East
Julian Smith returned to the court this past weekend, which was one of the best things we saw at ORU Team Camp. Smith is one of the most talented players in the 2019 Class. It was great to see him back out on the court. Surrounding Smith is a great amount of young talent. Sapulpa is the surprise team everyone should be aware of heading into the 2018-2019 season. Sapulpa will be my favorite to be the top seed in the East in Class 6A.
Norman North will be one of the favorites
New coach. New team. Same story. Norman North made a trip to the Class 6A State Semifinals last year and I would bet they at least make it that deep in the playoffs in the 2018-2019 season. The loss of a great senior class will hurt the Timberwolves. They do have some nice talent coming up led by 2019 Forward Shemar Smith. Josh Crutchfield and Josh Robinson are two seniors who will contribute to the team winning. Norman North will have to win games in different ways.
Coweta looks State bound again
The Tigers led by Andrew Keathley appear to have a group set to make another run at the state tournament. Coweta is the team that makes State a lot, but has not been able to make a deep run in recent years. They certainly appear to have a squad ready for another run at State.
Edmond North will be a force
The Huskies are very young and the loss of Jaden Bray to Norman North will hurt however do not be surprised when Edmond North makes State next winter. Scott Norris and his staff are already doing a great job of coaching up the young Huskies. You can see the work Terry Evans did with the 2021 Class helping them to produce against varsity talent.
Lincoln Christian can score it
Lincoln Christian surprised me with how well they scored the ball throughout the camp. In particular, 2019 Wing Kaleb Stokes scored the ball very efficiently. With Stokes leading the charge Lincoln has enough pieces around him to become a state tournament team this year.