Lincoln Christian Scrimmages: Part 2 – Idabel

As I stated in the previous report from the Lincoln Christian Scrimmages, I may not have seen every player on each team’s roster due to coaches resting players and whatnot, but I did get to see some great players nonetheless. Thank you to the coaches, like Coach Denton from Idabel, who took time out to send me a roster. It definitely makes my job a lot easier and shows that you are willing to do the little things to help your kids - hopefully - make the next step into college! I should also add, of all of the teams that I got to see firsthand at the scrimmages this weekend, Idabel looks the most dangerous. They are an incredibly well-rounded and well-coached team. They are going to cause a lot of problems in Oklahoma 3A basketball this season from the looks of things. <strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/11/DSC_0031-scaled-crop-2304x1513-1637102350.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-352705 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/11/DSC_0031-scaled-crop-2304x1513-1637102350-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="249275" first="Mary" last="Carden"] | 6-6 C | 2024 | <a href="https://x.com/MaryCarden16">@MaryCarden16</a></strong> Any conversation about Idabel basketball has to begin with [player_tooltip player_id="249275" first="Mary" last="Carden"]. She was what every other coach, parent, even referee (during the games) wanted to talk to me about. Her size is outstanding. The fact that she is only a sophomore is even more outstanding. The fact that she has the insane amount of skill that she has right now after having only played basketball for a few years is most outstanding of all! Her rise up the rankings in Oklahoma has moved along with her growth as she went from 6’4" and just learning to play she started out in the 50’s. In the current rankings she was listed at 6’5" and is at No. 12 with her defensive abilities driving her to the top-15 in the rankings. After seeing her yet again, I can honestly say that she is a top-5 player in the class with her offensive skills in the post growing by leaps and bounds. She recently picked up her first D-I offer from ORU and I have a sneaking suspicion that there are PLENTY more to come. I also have a feeling that she isn’t done growing or developing as a basketball player which has to be an absolutely horrifying proposition for Idabel’s opponents. <strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/11/DSC_0045-scaled-crop-2208x1450-1637102250.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-352701 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/11/DSC_0045-scaled-crop-2208x1450-1637102250-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="211901" first="Jaylee" last="Lopez"] | 5-7 CG | 2022 | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13617958/Jaylee-Lopez">Hudl</a></strong> Let me start by saying that Jaylee has already signed to play softball at Seminole State and let me add that basketball has lost a very good one. But, not yet. I should also add that from what I’ve seen of her softball abilities, SSC is very lucky to have her. She still has a senior season of basketball to play and after transferring from Broken Bow, she could very well lead Idabel to the playoffs, as well. She can score in droves and is a true three-level scorer. She is a softball player on the basketball court, meaning that she is gritty and tough and plays hard all game long. Last season she was all but unstoppable in the games that I saw her in and put up several 30 point games during the season. Jaylee has the handles and vision to run the point, though she most likely will be utilized as a "two guard." She could definitely be just what Idabel needs to utilize Carden in a way that could truly punish teams for choosing to double or triple team her inside (yes, I have seen her get triple teamed). All it takes is someone like Lopez that can really fill it up from outside. I expect some HUGE games out of her this season. <strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/11/DSC_0048-1-scaled-crop-2048x1345-1637102463.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-352710 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/11/DSC_0048-1-scaled-crop-2048x1345-1637102463-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a>Alexzandria "Alex" Thompson | 5-0 PG | 2022 | <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/alex-thompson/jy7G8tCcEeiAxKkkK9HIDg/default.htm">MaxPreps</a></strong> Even more important than a guard that can fill it up from deep like Lopez may be a guard that has the handles and vision to really get everyone involved, especially when surrounded by so many scoring options. Thompson is that guard. She is silky smooth with her passing and uses her size - or lack thereof - to really cut in and out of the bigger defenders and create on the offensive end. On the defensive side, her height is not an issue as she presses up on her opponent and uses quick feet and hands to effectively disrupt what it is that they are trying to do. She plays the game like a senior as she talks her teammates through the possession and is basically a coach on the floor. Alex is an impressive player and could definitely be an asset at the D-III or NAIA level.