Big time players make big time plays in big game. If Friday night was any indication, Yokley is a big time player. She was a huge reason for her team’s success on the offensive end. It actually often started on defense.  If she grabbed a rebound or loose ball, her head was immediate up and she pushed it very well for a forward. Sometimes it was only a dribble or two, then a pitch ahead. Other times it was going nearly coast to coast, finishing with assists and hockey assists to teammates.

When needed to, she scored herself including a triple to cap off the Lady Rams’ strong first half. Then an even bigger three to answer one of Choctaw’s in the fourth.  It was a complete performance from the senior. Which led to Owasso win an Area Championship and send them to Norman next week.

A patient and controlled player, the forward can put it on the floor a bit. It started when she pumped fake a shooter, and hit a solid spin move to draw a foul at the rim. But she doesn’t just look to get to the paint when driving, she can hit in the mid-range or pass out to open shooters when she draws a crowd. It wasn’t her most productive night, but the strong foundation of a skilled prospect was evident.

Since I’ve been scouting in Oklahoma, there has been JYD basketball and when I see JYD practice or play, there is Makenna. The two are synonymous. That means that a player who already has great size and a ton of natural talent is getting some of the best training possible. Every time I see Yokley play, there is more to love about her game. She can shoot it, she can handle it, she rebounds and defends. I’ve said from the first time that I watched her play that she was a Division-I prospect and she has proven that by landing an offer from Northeastern State in Louisiana. Makenna holds offers from several in-state D-II’s, as well. If you’re a coach who hasn’t offered and you’re looking for a post player who battles hard down low and can score from pretty much anywhere, you might want to hurry up.

Aggressive player off the dribble, attacks gaps with purpose, can finish through contact, and can create space for her shot, will make her free-throws in crunch time, made a big-time 3-pointer in the fourth quarter to put her team up by 4 (28-38), Finished the game with 14 points.

Makenna is a long forward with shooting ability from deep and strength inside. She has decent handles on the perimeter and good foot work in the post. She is a smart player that doesn’t force things but when the lane opens up, she can turn the corner and get to the basket. Standing at 6’1 she plays big, strong, and is a force on the court. She will work for inside position and when she catches it, she keeps it simple and is effective in the paint. She has good touch and can finish over the top and uses the backboard really well. She can push the ball in the open floor and makes good decisions with the ball. She will also run the floor and scores well in transition. Heck of a player!