Here is a quick look into what I watch for as I watch two sets of teams compete in the Area round of the state playoffs. As a scout, I am not necessarily interested in who won the game or even who led in scoring. I am more looking at each individual player and how they performed overall. It is best to get several looks at players and I can tell how they are improving over time. My notes are written quickly, sloppily and often are not in complete sentences. Here is what I jotted down on Thursday in Sapulpa. Hope you enjoy the inside look - the down and dirty view.
<strong>Game One: Sapulpa (16-3) vs. Bishop McGuinness (16-4)</strong>
<strong>Sapulpa</strong>
No. 25 - Jaselyn Rossman (2022) - Hustler on D. Starting on a very good squad. (3 pts)
No. 15 - [player_tooltip player_id="249260" first="Tyla" last="Heard"] (2024) - In much better shape than earlier in the season. Greatly improved. True scoring threat and works hard on D. (8 pts)
No. 11 - [player_tooltip player_id="151320" first="Alexis" last="Lewis"] (2021) - Tall and long. Very athletic. Greatly improved over last few years. (12 pts)
No. 21 - [player_tooltip player_id="151306" first="Temira" last="Poindexter"] (2021) - Has developed into a leader. Great all-around game. Inside threat due to size. Outside threat with smooth stroke from deep. (16 pts)
No. 32 - [player_tooltip player_id="197942" first="Stailee" last="Heard"] (2023) - Rebounding machine. Fights hard and "wants it." Great vision. Does it all. Should be top player in class. (11 pts)
No. 23 - [player_tooltip player_id="151328" first="De’Shawnti" last="Thomas"] (2021) - Good defender. Matches up on biggest scoring threat. Great lateral movement.
<strong>Bishop McGuinness</strong>
No. 3 - Victoria Ososanya (2024) - Good defender. Has a good stroke. Consistent at the line. Starting on very good team. *Add to rankings* (6 pts)
No. 4 - Moe Kierl (2022) - Very good shooter. Undersized, but tough. Great range. (8 pts)
No. 13 - Raegan Crisp (2022) - Good D, matched up on biggest threat for Sapulpa. Unlimited range. tremendous shooter. Move up in rankings? (16 pts)
No. 23 - Presley Parker (2021) - Great length. Tons of blocks. Tough inside on both ends. Clutch defender. Signed? (5 pts)
No. 24 - Tameka Talley (2021) - Vert fast with quick hands on defense. Nice up and under move in the paint. (8 pts)
No. 10 - [player_tooltip player_id="198419" first="Kate" last="Fletcher"] (2023) - Good shooter with a nice touch. One to watch. (3 pts)
No. 11 - Alyssa Rooks (2022) - Hustles on D. Good sized guard.
No. 33 - [player_tooltip player_id="197948" first="Braydin" last="Russell"] (2023) - Well-built, tough. Good shooter. Need to see more.
<strong>Game Two: Bishop Kelley (6-14) vs. Will Rogers (14-5)</strong>
<strong>Bishop Kelley</strong>
No. 4 - AK Ritchie (2021) - Good size. Leader.
No. 23 - Lizzie Smith (2021) - Scrappy D. Good handles and nice passing touch. Tough. (5 pts)
No. 12 - Leah Ames (2022) - Good defender. Smart and very fast with or without ball. (1 pt)
No. 33 - Maddie Stoia (2022) - Good size. Well-built, strong and tough. Doesn’t mind the battle underneath. (4 pts)
No. 35 - Madeline Barton (2022) - Good stroke from the field. Battler. Tough. Makes the clutch play. (13 pts)
No. 43 - Megan Roy (2023) - Tall and long. Has good post moves and finishes with contact. Good rebounder. Ranked? (4 pts)
No. 21 - Haley Schoeling (2021) - Undersized, but tough. Leader. Plays with poise. (2 pts)
<strong>Will Rogers</strong>
No. 1 - Jordan Payne (2021) - Leader. Great handles. Calm under fire. (4 pts)
No. 4 - Raegan McQuarters (2023) - Tough driving to hoop. Nice floater in traffic. Great scorer. Add to rankings. (13 pts)
No. 5 - Quinnae’ Love (2021) - Tough. Fights hard for ball. Truly wants it. Leads by example. (13 pts)
No. 12 - Julianna Matlock (2023) - Very long. Can shoot from deep. Good hands for a big. Hustles down the floor. One to watch - rank! (3 pts)
No. 31 - Jerreyah Jones (2023) - Good shot. Stays calm, plays with poise. Nice touch from deep. (7 pts)
No. 15 - Trinea Thomas (2021) - Beautiful shot from deep. Clutch. (6 pts)
No. 24 - Brianna Gist (2024) - Tall and long. Still learning, but definitely one to watch. Good size and when she learns to use it, will be deadly.