Breakout Class of 2023 Prospects
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The top tier of the Class of 2023 in Oklahoma has a deep group of players with potential Division One futures. Many of those prospects have been putting up big numbers since their freshmen season or emerged as can’t miss prospects as sophomores. But one of the most important timeframes for all high school players is that sophomore-junior year jump. So here’s a look at a group of juniors that might be ready to make that big jump into the top tier of players in the Class of 2023.
Zander Baker Zander Baker 5'10" | PG Norman | 2023 State OK -Bluitt, 5’9 Guard, Putnam City North
A newcomer to the Panthers, Baker-Bluitt has been a longtime player for the OKC Storm home program. The son of Bishop McGuinness and Oral Roberts standout Johnathan Bluitt, the new PCN guard has basketball in his DNA. While on the smaller side, that doesn’t prevent Baker-Bluitt from making plays. Quick and with great instincts on the offensive end, he should be among the assists leaders in Oklahoma City. Add in some long rang bombing capabilities, and Baker-Bluitt looks ready to make a big impact on the 405 landscape.
Connor Dow, 6’6 Wing, Broken Arrow
The 918 standout has always been a sharpshooter, but as he’s grown into his tall frame his complete game has started to take off. Dow is becoming an athletic prospect, with the ability to play at the rim. To go along with that, he now has the ability to consistently hit the mid range pull up after being ran off the line. Broken Arrow has consistently been a state tournament threat, and the emergence of Dow as a scorer and complete player has them back in the mix again.
Ty Holdman, 6’2 Guard, Coweta
Holdman hails from one of the more athletic families in the 918 and now looks to put those gifts to use with a breakout season. The athletic guard has a strong frame, which he puts to great use when attack the rim. Like a running back hitting an open lane, defenders seem to bounce off him on drives as he absorbs the contact and finishes strongly. The running back theme continues, as he’s also has explosive speed in the open court with the ball in his hands.
Not just a player that solely attacks the rim, one of the biggest areas of improvement for Holdman has been his jump-shooting. He now must be respected from beyond the arc, which opens up the rest of the game. This combination really makes him a player that can get wherever he wants and finish. A big winter looks to be on the horizon for Coweta and Holdman.
Jarreth Ingram Jarreth Ingram 6'4" | SF Noah | 2023 State OK , 6’7 Forward, Tulsa Memorial
Ingram has made a strong case to rival Del City’s Terry McMorris Terry McMorris 6'5" | SF Douglass | 2023 State OK as the top athlete in the class. Ingram best puts his athleticism to use as a big time rebounder, especially with his tip dunk capabilities on the offensive end. Like many athletic players he’s at his best in the open court, where he looks poised to be a human highlight reel this winter.
Right now, it looks like he’s still adjusting to the more structured and halfcourt based game that high level high school competition is compared to AAU and homeschool ball. I.E. teams have scouting reports and gameplans to take away a player’s strengths. One of Ingram’s best traits, that high motor that creates hustle plays and second chance opportunities, also makes him an easy scout. The athletic wing-forward must improve his feel for the game, which includes playing with more control on the offensive end.
Seth Pratt Seth Pratt 6'3" | SG Memorial | 2023 State OK , 6’3 Guard, Tulsa Memorial
For two straight seasons Pratt has been a pure shooter for Memorial. While capable as a passer and good decision maker overall, it was the 98 three pointers as an underclassmen that stood-out the most. Now as an upperclassmen, he’s starting to show more ability to impact the game in other ways. This has been evident early on this young season, with an improved floater and overall scrappiness to score hustle points. In last night’s victory against Fort Smith Northside (Arkansas), Pratt hit his customary four three pointers on the way to 25 points on the night. While also playing a big role defensively in limiting the opposition to under 50 points.
Sebastian Perry Sebastian Perry 6'1" | PG Heritage Hall | 2023 State OK , 6’1 Guard, Heritage Hall
Similar to Pratt, Perry and his shooting ability has made him an early contributor for one of the top programs in the state. This was most evident when he scorched the nets last March in the Class 4A State Semifinal. But now it’s time for a bigger role for the junior guard, where he’ll have to be more than just a shooting threat. Last night he produced 26 points in a season opening victory, showing the improved diversity in his skilled and smooth offensive game. Perry already claims offers from Southwestern, Oklahoma City University, East Central and more regional small colleges.
CJ Smith CJ Smith 6'7" | SF Putnam City North | 2023 State OK , 6’5 Wing, Heritage Hall
Right now Smith is currently sidelined for his squad. But this high upside, athletic player will be crucial in helping Perry keep the Chargers one of the top programs in the 405. Last year, he showed flashes as an inside-outside threat. As he’s grown into his athletic frame, Smith should be an explosive and stronger finisher at the rim. While also being a threat as a shooter. It’ll just be a matter of consistency once he gets back on the court.
William Mays, 6’0 Guard, Millwood
Mayes continues to be an intriguing wildcard prospect in this class. In two scrimmage viewings he’s shown a tenacity on the defensive end that makes his game pop. The bulldog like guard has quick hands and good defensive instincts. He’s very likely to be the catalyst of many transitions points for his squad. Especially as he’s got a flair for passing, especially on the fast break.
Offensively, Mays has a quick first step that allows him to get down hill and pressure the defense. That’s where his ability to create for others could really shine this winter. Long term, it will be refining his offensive skills that dictates which level of college he’ll be playing at. Finishing through contact and shooting ability are areas where he needs to keep working.