BA Super Scrimmages: Juniors making the Leap?

Bond is a grinder, who makes her presence felt around the rim on both ends of the court. Battles for position and denies entry passes. While also having good timing as a helpside defender with her long arms. Plus rebounder, who battles hard on the glass. In the two scrimmages watched, she made a focus to get deep position on the block for post ups. Does a great job of establishing herself, then capable of scoring with either hand with soft touch. It's clear a strong summer has set the stage for Bond to make an even bigger leap as a junior as one of Oklahoma's best for a Locust Grove team that will be looking for another trip to the Big House.     Fiery lead guard, who sets the tone on both ends. The first note on her game fittingly came when she slid over and took a charge. Which seemed to energize the Lady Redhawks in a big time match up with Edmond Memorial. The junior's energy levels never dropped, as she applied great on the ball pressure defense. While also getting paint touches that set up quality looks for teammates. A dynamite player, who's playing style clearly impacts winning.     The evolution of Hall's game was apparent on Saturday. Still a floor runner and bruiser who can mix it up around the basket. But now has a face up game and reliable jumper to make her one of the biggest mismatch problems in Oklahoma. Especially as she's now free to play further away from the basket with the emergence of a younger post option. Edmond North looks firmly among the top contenders in Class 6A, and Hall will play a big role in their charge to play in their fourth consecutive Class 6A title game (2022 and 2023 champions, 2024 runner up).     The second part of the tone setting Union backcourt against Edmond Memorial. Smith's jumper wasn't falling early, but her energy level and athletic movements were promising. As basketball often does, it rewards energy and effort. Smith's jumper started fouling, from three and in the mid-range. All while she continued to get after on defense. It was Smith's scoring that helped close the door in the contest. Signs point to a potential big junior year for the dynamic guard on a deep Union team.     It's a new era for Newcastle basketball, with a new coach and new talent. But on Saturday it was a returning Lady Racer who's performance stood out. She's been a two year starter, and shot the ball with big time confidence during a match up with Lincoln Christian. Quality perimeter threat, who's floor spacing will be crucial for the new look Newcastle squad.