Elite 14 Recap: Sensational Juniors
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Get 25% off your subscription by entering Knight25 in the coupon code area. Enjoy! If this past Saturday was any indication, Oklahoma high school basketball fans are in for a treat over this next couple of seasons. The junior class…
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If this past Saturday was any indication, Oklahoma high school basketball fans are in for a treat over this next couple of seasons. The junior class is shaping up to be one of the best in recent years and is starting to looking deeper. Let’s take a look at a group of them that stood out this past weekend in Texas.
Brandon Garrison Brandon Garrison 6'8" | C Evans | 2023 State #33 Nation OK , 6’9 Center Class of 2023, Del City
Oklahoma has produced its fair share of dominant post players in recent years. Garrison is shaping up to be among the very best with the way he owns the glass on both ends of the court. The Del City attacks missed shots with ferocity, which leads to put back scores on offense. And when grabbing defensive boards it’s similar but he also keeps the ball secured and high from the opposition while looking down the court for his outlets to get out in transition.
In a match up against UNLV bound KyeRon Lindsay of Denton Guyer and Garrison dominated the senior forward in the paint. Even when Lindsay stepped out to shoot a jumper, Garrison was able to extend out of the paint and swat it. When Garrison is locked in like he was in that match up, good luck to Oklahoma teams trying to get their offense going in the paint.
Jarreth Ingram Jarreth Ingram 6'4" | SF Noah | 2023 State OK , 6’6 Wing/Forward Class of 2023, Tulsa Memorial
New to the Charger program after playing homeschool ball for NOAH, Ingram is still getting his feet wet while playing with one of the most talented teams in the state. When he does check into the game, he makes an instant impact with his activity level and athleticism. A great example of this was after a slow start against Lancaster, it was Ingram that got the Chargers going with his above the rim play. He’s still a raw talent but there is a lot to work with. Especially as he was a good shooter in spot up scenarios and even showed a little wiggle to his game when coming off the three point and driving or pulling up.
Nathaniel Lancaster, 6’0 Guard Class of 2023, Norman North
In a scrimmage earlier last week, Lancaster was a spot up specialist for the Timberwolves and he excelled at that role. He made good decisions with the ball on that day, but with a full roster the junior guard was more of a secondary ballhandler. With Norman North a little short handed on Saturday, Lancaster stepped up and showed he does have playmaking skills in a match up against Amarillo. He’s a good all around guard, who has rarely put a foot wrong when watched in the last week. While Norman North has top tier talent driving their exceptions, for the Timberwolves to accomplish their big goals, players like Lancaster will need to continue to step up as contributors.
Terry McMorris Terry McMorris 6'5" | SF Douglass | 2023 State OK , 6’6 Forward Class of 2023, Del City
McMorris remains one of the best athletes in the state. He’s long armed and flies around with tremendous energy and impact on both ends of the court. Those two traits alone are enough to put him in the conversation of Division One programs. But right now, he’s more of an energy guy than a skilled basketball player.
With basketball becoming smaller and quicker, McMorris is coming around at the right time as he still has high value at the next level as a small ball four and possibly even five for some programs. But to unlock his full potential, he must continue to improve his ball handling and shoot mechanics. If strides are made, there is a Power 5 conference ceiling to his game, because he is that type of athlete on the wing.
Trent Pierce Trent Pierce 6'6" | SF Union | 2023 State #73 Nation OK , 6’8 Wing Class of 2023, Union
There are a lot of reason to be excited about the junior class in Oklahoma, Trent Pierce Trent Pierce 6'6" | SF Union | 2023 State #73 Nation OK is one of the biggest ones. Literally. Pierce is a legit 6’8 and appears to still be growing. But he doesn’t move like an old fashion plodding big, he’s a natural athlete. He showed this when pushing the ball in transition and with his smooth gather motions when shooting off the dribble. The 918 standout is clearly becoming more comfortable in his still growing body, as there was less awkward movements and more fluidity to everything he did.
With Pierce’s game still in flux as he’s growing and expanding his skillset, it’s important to hold onto the fundamentals. There were times it looked like he was forcing jumpers and dribble moves. He looked much better in other moments when the game came naturally to him.
One of the biggest values a player can bring to a team is versatility. That trait should come natural to a player with Pierce’s size and skillset. Crashing the glass, switching onto and battling bigs defensively, taking small foes down low for easy buckets. Those are all fundamental building blocks that could help unlock Pierce’s immense potential. They are also all things college coaches are looking for in recruits. If that foundation and mindset is laid for Pierce, then when the jumper and handles are fully refined it could be game over for the opposition.