Class of 2025 Rankings: Small Town Spotlight

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Often the focus on players in Oklahoma center around the two metro areas, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Oklahoma is much bigger than those cities, with a very healthy small town basketball culture. Which is proven every March at the State Fairgrounds and with the amount of former small town hoopers than can be found on college rosters. Here's a spotlight on current and future "Big House" heroes and college players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='654574' first='Henley' last='West'] - With back to back Class B State Titles under her belt, West is one of the more accomplished players in Oklahoma. Her size is a game changing at the small school level. And her work during travel ball season with the Oklahoma Swarm more than shows that her game translates beyond small school competition. Along with "can't teach that" size, West has good instincts as a rim protector and promising offensive touch. There should be no shortage of colligate suitors for the western Oklahoma standout. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='801996' first='Ainslee' last='McComas'] - The small town sharpshooter from just southwest of OKC will be looking for a bounceback season for her squad as a senior. She's been lighting up scoreboards since her freshman season with one of the best three point shots in the state. A move down to Class A saw Amber-Pocasset struggle by their previous high standards. But with McComas' ability to light it up from all over the court they should be in the mix to make a return to the Big House. Like they did during her sophomore season in Class 2A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='801998' first='Mercades' last='Lopez'] - Lopez has been a star in southeastern Oklahoma and make up one of the best backcourts regardless of class for Idabel. At the Class 3A State Tournament, she proved just how quick she is while being a terror on defense and pressuring the rim offensively. Once opponents try to compensate for her quickness, she can burry pull up jumpers. She has the look of an all around guard, and will have the Lady Warriors in position to defend their Class 3A title. Softball may be her colligate future, but she's a certified hooper on the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='551490' first='Brooke' last='Surginer'] - A "lunch pail" carrying wing-forward, Surginer is a productive prospect who gets it done all over the court. She plays with good aggression on defense, and can score in a multitude of ways on the offensive end. Her well rounded game has earned her a next level opportunity, as she recently committed to Southeastern Oklahoma State. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='429406' first='Ivory' last='Miller'] - Anadarko has long been a hot spot for girls basketball talent, and Miller is no different. With a plus wingspan, good movement for her size and outstanding instincts, the forward shines on the defensive end as a havoc causer. From taking a charge to forcing steals, she often leaves her mark on contests. Around the rim, she has good body control and strength which makes her a strong finisher. A good well rounded forward prospect who is becoming quite popular with Oklahoma D2 programs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='733738' first='Keirstin' last='Briggs'] - Seiling is another program that has been a haven for small school hoops. Briggs was a key part of another Class A title run for the Lady Wildcats. She's a forward prospect with great mesurables and a quality jumper to add some floor spacing versatility to her game. A combination of being able to hit shots and a winning pedigree give Briggs the profile to extend her playing career beyond this next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='802086' first='Izabella' last='Neville'] - A sniper from deep and proficient in the midrange, Neville is proof that talent is found throughout Oklahoma as she hails from the panhandle. Especially as she looks to be a certified tough shot maker off the dribble. The Lady Bulldogs' season last year ended in Area, but it shouldn't take a trip to the Big House for the sharpshooter to be on colleges' radars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='802067' first='Raylee' last='Gaston'] - Gaston caught the eye during a 4A Regionals game that saw the end of Broken Bow's season but made evident the quality combination of height and athleticism she has for an off the ball guard/wing. Recent AAU highlights reinforce that she a disruptive defender and has promise in the mid-range and attacking the rim. With notable tangible traits, the Broken Bow Lady Savage could be a strong example of how small school prospects get overlooked. Because it's entirely possibly that despite moving up the rankings, she's still too low. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->