Player of the Week: Rondel Walker (Week 1)
This past week Prep Hoops Oklahoma opened up the Player of the Week Award. Many players had great weekends down in Dallas. Trey Phipps, Bryce Thompson, Keylan Boone, Kalib Boone, and many others were up for the award with their performances. Ultimately, Putnam City West Point Guard Rondel Walker stole the show with his spectacular performance at the Thanksgiving HoopFest. Walker led the Patriots to two victories including one over the top-ranked team in Class 5A in the state of Texas, Justin Northwest.
Walker was dynamic with the ball in his hands elevating his teammates to another level. In the opening game, Walker posted 18 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals. Following his performance against Justin Northwest, Walker went back for Thanksgiving weekend seconds and was hungry. Against Trinity, he scored an effortless 42 points adding 15 rebounds, 7 assists, and 7 steals. When Walker is healthy it is very clear he is in the running to be the best player in the state of Oklahoma.
After suffering an injury in the summer Walker was a man on a mission this weekend to make sure the state of Texas knew he had some game. Walker has a great feel for the game at the Point. He shot it well off the dribble this weekend. When he is finding the bottom of the net with his jumper Walker becomes very tough to defend. Defense is an area where Walker separates himself from the pack. The non-stop intensity Walker brings embodies what Coach Bert preaches to his guys. The length of Walker allowed him to give opponents trouble on defense allowing him to snag 12 steals in the two games.
Walker was excited to be back out on the court after suffering an injury last summer with MOKAN Elite.
“I did not travel to Texas to lose,” said Walker. “I just did what my team needed for us to get the W. It was great being back out there with my guys since I missed out on my opportunity to perform in the event last year.”
A year ago Walker watched his young Putnam City West squad in a boot at the Thanksgiving HoopFest. This time around Walker put on a show taking home a Texas A&M offer and a ton of respect from the state of Texas and beyond. Walker looks to build off of his performance this past week with a huge game against rival Putnam City North on Friday night.
For more information email Matt@prephoops.com