Class 6A Area Standouts
Prep Hoops Oklahoma was at Yukon to take in two intriguing matchups starting with Edmond Santa Fe vs PC North and finishing with Midwest City vs Edmond North. Get a look at standouts, game highlights and more!
Edmond Santa Fe took down Putnam City North in the opening game behind a terrific performance by Tauriawn Knight and company.
Midwest City stormed back to take the lead late from Edmond North. The Bombers survive and advance to a matchup with Putnam City North for a spot in the Class 6A State Tournament tomorrow!
Tauriawn Knight 2018 Edmond Santa Fe Point Guard (Signed to South Dakota)
Knight was in his bag all night long on Friday night. He dominated the defense scoring from all three phases of the game. What made his night go from good to great was his three-point shooting stroke. He couldn’t miss from deep. Clearly, Knight was locked in on getting his team a state tournament birth from the tip. The leadership, scoring, and toughness Knight showed on Friday had the potential we have seen for a long time turning into production on the court. The Wolves are the team to beat in Oklahoma when Knight plays at the high level he did on Friday night.
Tyus Jeffries 2018 Edmond Santa Fe Wing
Jeffries is the heart and soul of Edmond Santa Fe. We talk about glue guys that hustle, buy into the team, and do whatever is needed from them. Jeffries is that guy for Edmond Santa Fe the one difference between him and most glue guys is he can give you so much. The strength and versatility of Jeffries make him a good small college prospect. Wherever he ends up they are going to get a difference maker on both ends. Jeffries is one of my favorite guys to watch this year because of the consistent heart he plays with at all times.
Ben Smith 2019 Edmond Santa Fe Forward
Smith has been a no-show in some big games this year. Friday he was the complete opposite of a no-show as he came up huge for Edmond Santa Fe, especially late in the game. Smith is learning how to find holes in the defense and has become better at finishing strong at the rim. The potential is sky high for the 6’6 Forward. If Friday night was any indicator Smith could be starting to turn on the light blub.
Jaylen O’Conner 2019 Edmond Santa Fe Wing
O’Conner hit several key three-pointers in the game on Friday. He has appeared to lack confidence this season that was not the case on Friday. The shooting stroke of O’Conner when on is one of the best in the state in the 2019 Class. Keep an eye on O’Conner he could be a player similar to Smith that blossoms late.
Blake Owens 2018 Putnam City North Forward
Owens was super active all night long. It seemed when there was a loose ball Owens was the guy to run it down. The rebounding ability of Owens is off the charts. He has become a dependable scoring force in the paint. Although he only shot one three-point attempt on Friday night he made it. Colleges looking for a stretch four at the NCAA Low Major Division I to NCAA Division II level will want to give Owens a look. The biggest thing I love about his game is how active he is on both ends on the boards and his ability to block shots matched with being able to finish inside.
Josh Rivers 2018 Midwest City Point Guard
Midwest City struggled mightily in the first half against Edmond North. Josh Rivers was the sparkplug in the second half that gave the Bombers life. What makes Rivers standout so much is not just his offensive game but moreover his defense. Rivers turned up the intensity on defense in the second half leading to big stops and transition baskets. The quick feisty Point Guard has not signed with any school yet. He will bring instant impact to a small college program because of his tough defense and ability to create on offense.
Makale Smith 2021 Midwest City Guard
When the Bombers needed baskets late, Smith delivered in a huge way. He got going driving to the basket featuring several tough finishes. Late in the game, Smith found the bottom of the net on two key backdoor cuts. He will be an intriguing Guard to follow in the Oklahoma 2021 Class.
DJ Freeman 2020 Midwest City Forward
Freeman was the player keeping Midwest City close in the first half with key buckets inside the paint. He is a player that has nicely developed over his sophomore season with the Bombers into a big that plays with a lot of energy, can rebound, block shots, and is starting to turn into a dependable inside scorer.
Damion Thorton 2018 Edmond North Forward
Thorton was fantastic for Edmond North on Friday night. When he was at his best he was attacking the rim using his 6’4 long, lanky frame to give Midwest City trouble. Thorton would be a great get for a JUCO or NAIA program. He is a high energy guy at all times with good athleticism.
Jaden Bray 2021 Edmond North Guard
Bray is a very intriguing 2021 Oklahoma prospect. He played well Friday, but something well beyond the stats caught my eye. Throughout the game, Bray was super aggressive taking every opportunity to score or create with the basketball. In the final seconds of the game, it was the freshman, Bray stepping into a three-point attempt. It did not go in, however, it showed a lot to me that he wanted to take the shot and step up in the big moment. Bray attacked the basket well using his sneaky quickness, good athleticism, and toughness to finish. Keep tabs on Bray who appears to be a top ten player in the 2021 Oklahoma Class.
For more information email Matt@Prephoops.com