Three Sleepers of the Putnam City Invitational
Here at Prep Hoops Oklahoma, we take pride in our knowledge of what is current in the world of high school hoops and especially in evaluating talented basketball players from every corner, nook, and crannie of the state of Oklahoma. The truth…
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Continue ReadingHere at Prep Hoops Oklahoma, we take pride in our knowledge of what is current in the world of high school hoops and especially in evaluating talented basketball players from every corner, nook, and crannie of the state of Oklahoma. The truth about sleepers is you can find them in gyms all over the state; grinding in the summer and fall to shine in the winter and spring, hoping to obtain a slither of recognition. Unfortunately, there just are not enough eyes to go around, so when you see a kid you have seldom or never heard of, make sure you remember his name.
At the Putnam City Invitational, these were three sleepers whose name you will want to remember.
Mike Berry 2019 Lawton Ike forward
Mike Berry is a fantastic defender, both as a rim protector and manned-up. At 6-foot-6 inches, Berry has a frame to be marveled at, and he knows how to use it to his advantage. Pairing his height with his impressively-long arms and muscle, Berry is able to effectively shut down guys both on the perimeter and in the paint. He was, by far, one of the most versatile defenders at the Putnam City Invitational.
Berry’s rebounding is equally as fantastic. The same attributes that allow him to tally blocks defensively give him an edge in pulling down boards to give his team success in transition and give his shooters some ease in knowing that even if they miss, he will be there to clean up the mess. Despite taking a loss to Edmond North on Saturday, Berry’s athleticism and ability to clean up the boards kept the Eagles in contention late in the one-point loss. He also had 11 points in the fourth quarter of that game, playing almost unstoppable in the paint.
Dalante Shannon 2021 Edmond North PG
Dalante Shannon has not escaped the spotlight, entirely. The sophomore has had successes and has even been given due recognition at times. But even at that, Shannon is a completely different animal from what most people realize. Shannon’s shot-making and sinking abilities contend with some of the best sophomores in the state. And that is being generous to the Oklahoma 2021 class. He landed 23 points in the Huskies’ win over Lawton Ike, including three 3-pointers. Shannon is a threat along the perimeter or driving into the lane, possessing the ability to get his piece at the rim.
Defensively, do not think that Shannon’s slender frame makes him an iso-player’s dream. Shannon has the height and lateral speed to keep opposing players contained. Again; his athleticism is not to be underestimated. He can do some special things defensively, like sinking to protect the rim or poking a ball away from a lazy ball-handler.
Will McDonald 2019 Heritage Hall PG
In part due to his dual-sport presence, Heritage Hall point guard and Arkansas golf commit Will McDonald does not always get the credit he deserves on the hardwood. The senior has an above average skill set. He handles the ball well, can penetrate the lane, finish at the rim, shoot, drive and kick, toss dimes, and lead the Heritage Hall offense. And that’s just what he can do with the ball in his hands.
Defensively, McDonald can limit guys in a man and keep containment on guards and forwards alike. He has the defensive presence of mind to not only keep his man in front of him, but lead his defensive group cohesively vocally. He does a great job at sliding over and always moving on defense without getting anxious and getting blown by.