Class 6A semifinal stock risers
The Class 6A semifinals featured two down to the wire finishes. The first game, Booker T. Washington pulled off an upset of Union. The Redskins were undefeated to this point and had just beaten Booker T. Washington by 20+ a week ago. March has a way of being crazy. In the final game of the night Edmond North trailed the majority of the night, but found a way to pull out a win over Putnam City North. Several players really shined bright under the Mabee Center lights.
Adokiye Iyaye 2018 Putnam City North Combo Guard
No player has raised their stock this weekend more than Adokiye Iyaye. He has been unbelievably great all weekend long. Putnam City North lost in the semifinals, but it was not because of Iyaye. The toughness and determination Iyaye showed this weekend set him apart from other players. He has the dawg in him, which coaches love. Iyaye is no doubt a Division I talent. He may have raised his level from Mid Major to High Major this weekend. Look for a big summer from Iyaye.
Blake Owens 2018 Putnam City North Forward
The 6’7 Forward was huge for Putnam City North all weekend long rebounding the ball extremely well. This season Owens really improved at finishing around the rim. Owens and Putnam City North will be back next year. Owens would benefit from a couple years of JUCO and could raise his level if he went that route next year. As of now Owens projects to the Division II level.
Micah Thomas 2019 Putnam City North Guard
I think Micah Thomas would tell you he wasn’t happy with his performance on Thursday against Midwest City. Young players can often get down on themselves with a tough game, especially on the state tournament stage. Thomas did not get down, instead he bounced back and played really well in the semifinal game. Thomas did a great job of getting to the basket. The three-point shot of Thomas was key down the stretch.
Marques Wilson 2017 Edmond North Guard (Signed LeHigh)
Wilson found a way to be successful on the offensive end of the floor. It was not his best shooting night, but the high basketball IQ of Wilson paid off for the Huskies. He did a great job of getting the ball in the hands of his teammates at good spots for them to score. He was calm and collected in the key moments of the game. Wilson’s leadership is a huge key for Edmond North.
Harrison Stoddart 2017 Edmond North Forward (Signed OBU)
Stoddart had a game for the ages last night. He won’t get all the love, but should after that performance. He rebounded the ball very well inside for Edmond North. When the Huskies needed a base, Stoddart delivered. OBU is getting one really good player in the post. Stoddart has the chance to be special at OBU. The toughness he showed Friday night in the paint was the key for Edmond North to get a victory.
Marvin Johnson 2017 Edmond North Wing
Johnson was a force on both ends of the floor for Edmond North. He did a great job of slashing to the basket and finishing through traffic. When Johnson makes up his mind that he is going to drive to the basket there may not be a player in Oklahoma who can stop him. Johnson’s play on defense was very key in the late moments of the game.
Ethan Chargois 2017 Union (Signed SMU)
It was not the way Chargois wanted to go out, but he gave his all on the floor. He did a great job of using his size and length on both ends. Chargois was double and triple teamed often on Friday, but found a way to be effective. He did a great job of getting his teammates good looks.
RJ Fuqua 2017 Booker T. Washington Point Guard (Committed ORU)
RJ Fuqua was the definition of special on Friday night. The poise and leadership he showed all game long was amazing to watch. Fuqua scored the ball well in all three phases of the game. The handle of Fuqua allows him to be so successful, searching, waiting for an opening to present itself for him or his teammates. Fuqua won’t forget Friday night it was his best performance of his high school career and came against the #1 team. Fuqua has dominated this weekend. What makes him so tough is that he makes his teammates around him better.
Seth Hurd 2019 Booker T. Washington Forward
Seth Hurd played beyond his years on Friday. He was so great on the boards dominating his role for Booker T. Washington. The youth of Hurd was no more. He looked like a seasoned veteran with his level of play. Hurd was big time all game long on the low block. He blocked and altered several Union shots. He also scored the ball well when the moments presented themselves on Friday night.
Bryce Thompson 2020 Booker T. Washington Combo Guard
Bryce Thompson was vital to the Booker T. Washington victory. He thrived in his role as the second scorer for Booker T. Washington shooting the ball with great confidence. Thompson took advantage early in the game of openings and got hot. The poise of Thompson as a freshman in that big of a game was exceptional. Thompson already holds several Division I offers with many more coming if he continues to play like he did on Friday.
For more information email Matt@prephoopsoklahoma.com