Arkoma Focus: Shock vs Mambas

Checking in on two Arkansas based programs, who have eastern Oklahoma talent on their squads. Along with their peers from the Natural State, and other neighboring states.   game scouted via BallerTV from the Kansas Clash earlier this month    Smith's speed is very apparent in transition, pushes it with purpose. Breaks press, and blends looking to score herself along with make the right reads to set up her teammates. Hit a very nice spin move at one point in transition, highlighting the quickness and handles she has to go with her speed. Scoring in the game watched was based around paint touches, even breaking out a nice floater. While fast, she also plays with good control and head on a swivel. Small town Oklahoma prospect, with next level traits as a speedy guard.     Energy on defense stands out. Capable of stepping out onto the perimeter and pressuring the ball, or playing taller than her size on post match ups. Has quick hands which allowed her to deflect and outright steal the ball against taller players. Including impressive determination to rip away a rebound on a missed offensive free throw, than immediately scoring. Simply relentless in the way she rebounds for a young wing, and is not afraid to mix it up around the rim. Saw some interesting flashes from a perimeter skillset. Including the poise and confidence to split a double team and get to the rim. Can see why she had a huge freshman campaign in Eastern Oklahoma.     Racks up steals in a hurry, with ideal quickness and height on the perimeter. Plays the passing lanes with an almost supernatural sense. Had a stretch where she deflected a pass out of bounds. Then did the same on the ensuing in-bounds attempt. Have to love any player who takes pride in causing havoc on the defensive end. Did most of her scoring in transition, often off the hard work of her determined defense.     Athletic and interesting wing prospect. Strong and quick, exceptional rebounder for her size. Quick off the floor with good elevation, snagging rebounds in traffic. Also kept playing tough on the ball defense late in the contest. Knows how to use her strength and quickness advantage to cut off lanes and make life difficult on the opposition. Wasn't her best day as a scorer, but did produce a bit around the rim. Outstanding base to grow on with athleticism and defensive mindset.     Forward prospect who knows where to be on offense to make herself available as a scorer. Moves well between the high post and low post, then attacks quickly and confidently when she gets the rock. Can face up, put it on the deck and get to the rim with a dribble and then finish with good touch. Good agility for her height. Long arms also allow her to rebound well and alter/block shots on defense.     Quick and dynamic wing, who is very difficult to keep out of the lane with her first step and a strong frame. Looks to be at her best when given the clear opportunity to attack, as she did have a couple sloppy turnovers late. Another prospect in the contest watched that seems to take pride in her defense. Very quick hands to slap away loose dribbles or contest shots. And good luck catching her when she gets going in transition.     Often in the right place and right time, as for a smaller guard she's made a lot of plays as rebounder and deflecting passes. Good quickness and instincts puts her in those positions. High school footage indicated she's a plus shooter, and backed that up by taking smart shots and hitting. Had a sequence where she drilled a three, a few possessions later she pump faked a close out. Took one dribble, and smoothly hit a 18 footer. Was good to see a full contest of efficient play to go along with her shooting ability.