The Match Up: 2027s CyFair Thompson vs Id3ntity Elite

When two Oklahoma teams are matched up at out of state tournaments, coaches, players and parents likely roll their eyes. "We could've stayed home and played them." But from a perspective of covering the event, it's a great chance to watch as many prospects as possible. It's why a match up between two 2027 programs with talented 918 standouts was a priority watch on Saturday evening at the I35 Showcase.    Butler looked the part of one of the better athletes in Oklahoma's junior class. Very fluid and coordinated when rising up or extending her long arms to swat shots. Which, she did multiple times throughout the game. Including a sweet "snatch block", then she immediately looked to push the tempo. Was smooth and fast when running the floor in transition. Either getting to the rim or being a trailer and hitting from distance. Overall, was a very impressive in person viewing of a prospect who has made strong strides since the end of high school season.     A havoc causer, Daniels made her mark late in the third quarter. With a flurry of steals, leading to points for herself, or assisting her teammates. With how quick and reactive she is, it seemed like she would teleport to loose balls. Good handles to go along with her quickness, made her a handful on drives. Strong two way potential, as a tempo setter. Backed up a highlight tape watched last month with this impressive in person viewing.     Lanky shooter, who also made an impact on the defensive end. Did a good job, fronting and even deflecting a few passes intended for an opposing big. Crashed the glass on both ends of the court too. And stayed active and engaged in transition defense. It was a good list of little moments that added up to a notable impact, which felt familiar when watching a Dow play. With Broken Arrow basketball in a new era, it's very possible that Dow could be a player to step into a much bigger role. Leading to her possibly becoming a late bloomer, similar to her older brothers.     Physical forward prospect, Ifeoma's athleticism and strength allows her to play taller than her size. Consistently ran the floor very well. Holds her ground well on defense, and her longer arms are an added bonus there. Knows to get to her spot and establish down low. Good touch around the rim, even finishing through contact. Strong mix of athleticism and toughness make her a handful to deal with in the paint. On both ends of the court.     Toliver and her twin had caught the eye of PGH contributors and via video. But there's nothing like seeing in person, to see just how athletic a prospect really is. Flies around with a good combination of quickness and strength. Created transition opportunities with her hustle and is fast in the open court. It was a tough loss for CyFair, but the Toliver twins are two of the rising 918 prospects to track over the next year.     Every time Daniels checked into the game, it felt like she was right in the mix with pressure on the ball defense. The energy she exerted on defense eventually paid off with a couple nice scores late. Including a sweet euro step on a drive. Good signs of competitiveness as the athletic guard founds ways to contribute while playing up an age group.

When two Oklahoma teams are matched up at out of state tournaments, coaches, players and parents likely roll their eyes. "We could've stayed home and played them." But from a perspective of covering the event, it's a great chance to watch as many prospects as possible. It's why a match up between two 2027 programs with talented 918 standouts was a priority watch on Saturday evening at the I35 Showcase.