Class of 2022 Top 5 Breakdown
Rankings are one of the most popular aspects of any corner of the internet and especially in sports. People love to have opinions and there’s few greater catalysts to spark opinions and drive interactions than placing a number next to…
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Continue ReadingRankings are one of the most popular aspects of any corner of the internet and especially in sports. People love to have opinions and there’s few greater catalysts to spark opinions and drive interactions than placing a number next to a name.
In regards to high school basketball rankings, these are an attempt to paint a picture of which current players project to have successful futures playing college basketball. Attempting to paint a picture might be one of the better ways to look at the process. Because there’s no baseline as each players plays different roles on their team, playing against different levels of competition throughout the state. Averaging 15 points a game for one team could be meaningful then another player averaging 23 points a game for another. Because of the lack of uniformity that can lead to people having different interpretations of one player’s potential.
The lack of uniformity also translates in how college coaches disagree view players differently. One coach could value a ball dominant score first guard more than a more balanced bigger guard because they want to run through offense through one play more heavily. Or another coach is reluctant to recruit smaller guards because they run a lot of switches and are concerned with how a smaller guard would hold up in that defensive system. It’s more about finding proper fits and situations, less about a definitive “Player X” is better than a “Player Y”. High school recruiting rankings should not be viewed like 2k where each player is rated on an exact scale, but as a way to highlight the outstanding accomplishments of college prospects excelling as basketball.
Rambling preamble aside, this group of five have separated from their peers and shown a multitude of next level traits that can make them successful as collegiate players.
Aaron Potter Aaron Potter 6'2" | SG Owasso | 2022 State OK , 6’3 Combo Guard, Booker T Washington
Aaron Potter Aaron Potter 6'2" | SG Owasso | 2022 State OK for Class 6A title contender Booker T Washington has been the breakout player in Oklahoma this winter. . He does it all and right now no player has more impact on their team winning on a nightly basis than this athletic guard. There are stretches where he takes over the game with a barrage of jumpers. Then the next quarter he’ll be disrupting defense by racking up steals & blocks while also creating for others. He’s a whirlwind of productivity for the Hornets.
Potter had always shown bursts of next level traits but inconsistency had plagued him earlier in his career. There were signs this summer that he was starting to put together more consistent performances and now he’s fully realizing that potential. The tenacity and impact that Potter brings to the court is similar to Shawn Olden from Union in 2014 and Carlbe Ervin from Edmond North in 2013 . After stops in junior colleges, Olden and Ervin played in the Big 12 at TCU and Kansas State respectively. That’s the kind of upside Potter has.
Kevin Overton Kevin Overton 6'5" | SG Homeschool | 2022 State OK , 6’4 Shooting Guard, Norman North
Overton meets a lot of the athletic and skillset requirements to be a D1 prospect. Thanks to his combination of quickness and strength, he’s one of the best midrange scorers in the class. His ability to “get his” off the bounce is what really separates him from his peers in Oklahoma. The lefty is also a knock down catch and shoot player from beyond the arc. Because of these traits, he has the potential to be instant offense as a microwave scorer at the next level.
Tyreece Frierson Tyreece Frierson 5'10" | PG Tulsa Memorial | 2022 State OK , 5’10 Point Guard, Tulsa Memorial
The Charger guard is a magician with the ball in his hands. He’s transformed from a streaky scorer as an underclassman, to a floor general that always leaves his imprint on games. Off the dribble he can freeze defenders with in and out moves or crossovers, which then he can finish with a floater or dissect defenses by finding open shooters or throwing lobs. While his scoring numbers won’t always be the most impressive in the class, his ability to run the show for his talented team while also finding the correct time to “get his” is very impressive.
Adante Holiman Adante Holiman 6'0" | PG McAlester | 2022 State #224 Nation OK , 6’0 Point Guard, McAlester
An elite scorer, Holiman should thrive at the next level thanks to his deep bag of ball handling moves to create separation for his jumper or blow by defenders. At the rim he finishes very well thanks to a strong frame and explosiveness. The Buffalo also has deep range that extends well past the three point line. This high school season he is showing an impressive ability to not only excel with the ball in his hand, but also an off the ball weapon. He has a ready made scoring skillset for the next level.
Anthony Allen Anthony Allen 6'5" | SF Broken Arrow | 2022 State OK , 6’6 Forward, Broken Arrow
Possibly the best pure athlete in the class, Allen has been on a tear for Class 6A contender Tigers. He’s an explosive hybrid wing who plays above the rim when rebounding, blocking shots and finishing. He’s adept as a slasher thanks to improved ball handling. Jucos and D2s are monitoring him right now, and it’s possible that his raw athletic ability and high motor could draw attention from regional D1s in the late signing period.