EYBL Phoenix: Oklahoma's Finest

The first Live Period brought a busy weekend of hoops all over the country. Many of Oklahoma's top prospects were out west in Phoenix, here's a look at 6 of those players from Nike Girl's EYBL first session.    Stokes was a two-way force to close out Phoenix, logging big minutes in a win. Even against an opposition with a big front line, she used her long arms to play bigger than her height. Blocked multiple shots, deflected passes and recorded steals. Had one sequence where she switched onto a shifty guard, blocked the pull up attempt, then was off to the races for bucket. The whole game was an impressive display of Stokes' physical gifts and gritty mindset.   The Locust Grove Lady Pirate had her moments on offense as well. Pick and popped to drill a three. Posted up and finish through contact. And played unselfish moving the ball.   With added strength and confidence, she's steadily improved over the last six months. And could be a player who is undervalued. As she has really come into her own as one of the best players in Oklahoma.     Woods played up in the 17U division with LegGYnds and had a strong showing. Always a bucket, she found her spots in the mid-range. While also being quick and crafty enough to score amongst the trees at the rim. Uncharacteristically she shot it poorly from three by her high standards, so that's an area to monitor going forward at the national level.   On the defensive end, she brought a battler mentality. Where her quickness and hops helped her compete against older and stronger players. Seeing more of the "dawg" aspect to Woods' game is a very good long term sign for one of Oklahoma's top overall prospects.     The freshman is playing 17U and fit right in when watched during a win against MOKAN on Saturday. Carved up the defense off the bounce, with her elite combination of handles and shiftiness. Had strong and acrobatic finishes through contact around the rim. Brought similar steel and grit on the defensive end. Has no back down to her game as a shifty slasher and tough minded defender. Shoots it well in the mid-range, which hopefully will start to translate to more three pointers in her future. Henderson's efforts also caught the eyes of college coaches, as she picked up an offer from Alabama.     The engine all weekend long for LeGYNds' 16U team, which went 3-2 on the weekend with a pair of two point losses and three double digit wins. King led the way with averages of 15.6 points and 6.8 rebounds. She's a freight train in transition, even leading to one defender flopping before she even made contact. Has the footwork to avoid defenders around the rim too. Consistently finished through bumps and even defenders' hanging onto her jersey. Picked her spots with three pointers, hitting a handful throughout the weekend. Looked good when she took them when set and in rhythm. If her confidence continues to grow in that department, she would become one of the most complete scorers in Oklahoma.     After a slow opening contest, Kindred bounced back with a 21 point and 5 rebound performance in her second game. She went on to average 13.4 points and 6.8 rebounds for the weekend. To start the event, it looked like she had issues with finishing through contact. But as the weekend went along, she played stronger and stronger on both ends of the court. Smart off the ball cutter, hits the offensive glass and is a graceful driver. Defensively, her long arms, timing and attention to details helps with rebounds, blocks and steals.   One of Oklahoma's best, who made strides this weekend. The momentum she's building should led to more team success for one of the top 16U teams in the region and country. While also making her a priority target for collegiate programs to watch during the May and July live periods.

The first Live Period brought a busy weekend of hoops all over the country. Many of Oklahoma's top prospects were out west in Phoenix, here's a look at 6 of those players from Nike Girl's EYBL first session.