Mustang Holiday Classic Top Juniors and Sophomores
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The Mustang Holiday Classic was filled with prospects that can contribute at the next level. Let’s take a look at a group of seniors that should be popular with regional colleges.
Jacobe Johnson Jacobe Johnson 6'3" | SG Mustang | 2023 State OK , Junior Guard, Mustang
The tourney MVP, Johnson proved why he’s one of the best pure athletes in the state. He’s an elite football recruit but if he chose to focus on basketball his offer list for hoops would grow. As he’s a strong scorer, that can also fill it up as an off the bounce shooter. For a more detailed breakdown on the dual sport standout, read our write up from Wednesday night.
Zander Baker Zander Baker 5'10" | PG Norman | 2023 State OK , Junior Guard, Putnam City North
A magician with the ball, Baker has a very important trait for a smaller guard. He has the ability to separate against bigger and high level competition. This was on display on drives or finding openings on the perimeter for long rang bombs. Baker understands angles on drives, as he’s able to adjust his release point to avoid taller defenders to get the ball up on the rim or glass. Where the english he puts on the ball gives it an almost magical like quality to often roll into hoop.
With the make up of the Panthers’ roster, the scoring opportunities are funneled to the junior. While he scored at a good clip, including 28 points against Mustang. At his size he likely won’t be recruited as a scorer only. Baker has shown good passing abilities, but as the opposition focuses more and more on him, he most become a better playmaker and distributor for others. Becoming more of a complete guard will not only help PCN this season, it’ll benefit his long term recruiting outlook.
To close out the magician theme, Baker likely hit the shot of the year against Shawnee. With 0.8 seconds left, he let if fly from nearly 70 feet out in an attempt to force overtime. It hit the backboard and bounced in to tie the game at 57 all. North would go on to win and make the title game two nights later. The shot was so good that it made Sportscenter’s Top 10 plays, but somehow was only second on the top 10 list.
Evan Barber Evan Barber 6'1" | CG Westmoore | 2023 State OK , Junior Guard, Westmoore
The Westmoore Jaguar made the all tournament team with averages of 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists. He also helped Westmoore bounced back from an opening night loss with back to back quality wins over Mount Saint Mary and Midwest City. Barber was able to post those numbers by being a multifaceted scorer. It starts with good perimeter shooting as he shot 41.7% from beyond the arc. But he’s more than a spot up specialist. He already has good strength, which he puts to good use when attacking the basket as a crafty finisher. Barber is a strong all around player and he carries a big scoring load for Westmoore in a deep Class 6A.
Zach Hays, Junior Guard, Westmoore
The second half of the Jaguars’ dynamic duo; Hays was also a consistent scorer. He’s more of an inside threat, with the ability to use his taller height for a guard to attack the rim and pick up points on the offensive glass. The ability to impact the glass was apparent in Westmoore’s consolation championship victory against Midwest City. Hays grabbed 4 of his 8 boards on the offensive end and finished with a game high 21 points in their 49-41 victory.
Jordan England Jordan England 6'2" | CG Carl Albert | 2023 State OK , Junior Guard, Carl Albert
The most productive Titan, England is at his best when given the freedom to attack off the dribble. He averaged 15.7 points for the week. The junior often got this points off drives, but was able to pull up and shoot it well in the midrange. Right now he’s more of a combo guard than a true point guard. There were still times he missed open teammates in the halfcourt, so he must work on his floor vision if he’s going to be a primary ballhandler.
Tashawn James, Junior Guard, Carl Albert
Quick, strong and athletic, James has a lot of traits that indicate he’ll be a valuable guard on both ends of the court. He’s able to attack off the dribble as a scorer or playmaker for others. This hard nosed guard is good at moving his feet and has the physical tools to become one of the better defenders in Oklahoma.
CJ Johnson CJ Johnson 5'11" | PG Edmond Santa Fe | 2023 State OK , Junior Guard, Mount Saint Mary
Johnson carried the scoring load for the Rockets all three games. He averaged 19.3 points for the week. His best peformance was his final game against Shawnee where he scored 21. The hard nosed guard was able to visit the charity stripe 14 times. Every point he earned at the line was crucial in the Rockets’ narrow 64-60 victory over Shawnee.
Quincy Hopkins, Sophomore Wing, Carl Albert
Hopkins passes the eye test of a future Division One player. Already with a strong frame, Hopkins is also quick and bouncy. Those traits should be no surprise considering he’s the little brother of Carl Albert 2018 standout Trey’von Hopkins. The younger Hopkins’ game right now is transition based and operating in the high post, then attacking the rim. He’s able to elevate, hang in the air and absorb contact when finishing in traffic. The best play that Hopkins made all week was when he snatched a defensive board off the rim, then raced down the court. Showing off all his quickness as he left Southmoore defenders in the dust then physically finished through contact at the rim. If he keeps his motor running and adds perimeter skills, Hopkins has a future as a big time prospect.
Jayden Mott, Sophomore Forward, Carl Albert
Similar to Hopkins, Mott passes the eye test of a having a big time ceiling. He’s lanky at 6 foot 6 and has effortless looking movements. He was quieter in the opening games of the tournament but turned up the third place game with a higher activity level. In that game he put his height and athletic advantages by grabbing 6 boards to go along with 11 points.
Mott has the look of a player that does not yet realize how good he be. At a high school with a good history of developing players, his ceiling is sky high. If Mott embraces the challenges, look for him to be among the top players in what is shaping up to be a strong Class of 2024 in Oklahoma.