Three quick thoughts on the Elite 14
The Prep Hoops Oklahoma team went to Wichita Falls, Texas for the Elite 14 Showcase this weekend. Eleven Oklahoma squads took the floor. Throughout the week Prep Hoops Oklahoma will have a ton of coverage. To kick things off, I give you five things that stood out.
Tulsa Memorial isn’t going anywhere
The Chargers had one of the best weekends at the Elite 14 Showcase. They coasted to a 3-0 record after a tight hard fought first game. Bobby Allison will have to do his best coaching job at Memorial to win a Class 5A gold ball again this season. Don’t be surprised if he does just that. I loved the fight this young Memorial team played with when things looked grim in the opening game against Lancaster they battled back and played with fire in their eyes. There is something about programs that breed winning culture. The Chargers 2019 big man Kalib Boone is growing up before our eyes maturing into a monster in the paint. The aggression Kalib played with this weekend makes him unstoppable in Oklahoma. 2019 Wing Keylan Boone showed a lot of positives as well he still is gaining confidence. What was the most eye-opening thing is the play of the small guards of Tulsa Memorial. The Chargers will be a fun team to watch in the 2017-2018 season.
Putnam City North is loaded and versatile
The Panthers look to be on track to win the Class 6A state championship. They have all of the pieces of a winning team on the roster. It all starts with senior Adokiye Iyaye who is so versatile on both ends he gives opponents fits. They have a substantial senior roster with Blake Owens holding the paint down and Chris Braggs as one of the most interesting players to follow this year. Braggs played a ton at Guard this summer, which is precisely his position in college. However, Braggs plays a lot at the four for Putnam City North and has success there too. Braggs is one of those players that head coach Ryan Wagner can use to his advantage on both ends of the court creating mismatches. 2019 Point Guard Micah Thomas was superb this weekend showing great strides of continued improvment. The Panthers are going to be tough to stop in Class 6A.
Booker T. Washington lacking chemistry early
The Hornets have a long time before March gets here that is the good news. Booker T. Washington is loaded with talent. However, talent doesn’t mean victories if they don’t mesh together. In one of their first scrimmages of the year, the Hornets looked a bit out of sync at times as to be expected with a new head coach and the loss of RJ Fuqua. I think the graduation of Fuqua (ORU) will take the most time for the Hornets to adjust. They don’t have a true Point Guard and at times were in high need or someone who could create for others and bring all of the talented players together. RJ was so good at that. Trey Phipps could be that guy by the end of the year but it isn’t going to happen overnight. I think it is key for Booker T. Washington fans to relax and let this team grow throughout the year. They will be at their best in March.
This entire week will be filled full of team and player analysis from the Elite 14 Showcase in Wichita Falls, Texas.
For more information email Matt@prephoops.com