Upon Further Review: Versatile Forwards
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Closing the book on this past high school basketball season with a week spent in the “Film Room”. This articles focuses on a group of prospects who stood out not only for their height, but the multitude of ways they…
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Continue ReadingClosing the book on this past high school basketball season with a week spent in the “Film Room”.
This articles focuses on a group of prospects who stood out not only for their height, but the multitude of ways they impact the game.
Game Watched: Del City, February 6th
An unique prospect, Mack is perfect for a list like this. She’s strong, physical and quick for her frame around the rim. But it wasn’t just bully ball battling at the basketball that allowed her to fill it up. She was also lights out in the mid-range with a very good face up game and pull up jumper. Along with the traditional off the dribble pull ups, she also hit spin moves and one handed runners with regularity. Mack’s scoring variety with her natural gifts makes her an incredibly tough player to stop.
Highlights
Game Watched: vs Bixby, February 29th
The junior has quality wing skills but in the viewing against Bixby, it was her willingness to get her nose dirty around the rim that stood out the most. In the closely contested playoff game, she was a handful to keep off the offensive glass in the second half with quality putbacks. Overall, Smith has a right place at right time feel to her game on the offensive end. She was a smart cutter and mover off the ball, which complimented her second chance scoring.
Game Watched: vs Inola, March 7th
Burge relished her role as a defensive destroyer in Douglass’ dominant State Tournament win. It wasn’t just blocking shots and cleaning the glass (she looks great high pointing rebounds), she has outstanding lateral quickness. With the ground she covered on the perimeter and her height advantage, she likely gave the Inola players nightmares. There was also a lot of promise with the way she pushed the ball off defensive rebounds or forced turnovers. The sophomore played with her head up, making the simple but important passes ahead to teammates. While another time she stopped and drilled a 10 footer. She’s one of the more impressive players I’ve watched this year thanks to her defensive ability and offensive feel.
Game Watched: vs Choctaw, January 30th
Even on “tape” Bowen stands out with how she moves and her ball handling ability for a player her size. While her game was a little wild at times when it came to passing, there’s real promise because the athletic and height aspects to her game that simply can’t be taught. Bowen finally did bank in a jumper later in the contest, which she looks like with practice that she could be a real monster in the mid-range. More viewings are needed, if the poor shooting was an anomaly the BA Tiger could be one of the more undervalued prospects in Oklahoma’s loaded Class of 2025.
Game Watched: Locust Grove, March 7th
An athletic two way impact forward, McKennie makes plays on the defensive end thanks to good quickness for her size and long arms. Not only did she protect the rim, she was willing to get on the floor for loose balls and ran the floor hard all game. Her running the floor efforts also rewarded her with transition points. But the face up game she showed when attacking out of the high post showed that she’s more just a hustler on the court. With quick off her feet movements as a rebounder, there’s lots to like about this promising sophomore.