I was in Edmond, OK on Monday afternoon at Edmond Santa Fe High School to check out their practice. It was a great opportunity to see a lot of their guys in action on the floor at the same time. I got a good idea of what the Wolves will look like, and they will be a handful to deal with. They are stacked in the backcourt with a lot of depth and hope to build on a injury-riddled season from last year.
Nik Rhodes | 2024 | Guard | 6’0
Rhodes is the primary ball handler for this group and the engine that runs this offense. The 6’0 floor general is a gifted passer, arguably the best in the state. He has elite vision, accuracy, and velocity with either hand. Rhodes is very creative in his ability to create passing angles at 6’0 is sublime and there is not a single pass he is not comfortable making. Rhodes can also create his own shot at all 3 levels with great touch from any spot on the floor.
Christian Hammons | 2024 | Guard | 6’2
Hammons is a stocky guard with high energy and a versatile skill set. Hammons looked really good as a connector when Sante Fe was practicing their sets. He was making really quick instinctual decisions on the fly which were accurate and precise. He did a good job of not letting the ball “stick” either moving the ball, driving the ball, or shooting it. Hammons had really impressive vertical pop, and could finish above the rim in space. He was also great on the defensive end, great lateral quickness and anticipation with maximum effort and engagement.
Jacob Gooden | 2025 | Guard | 6’3
This is Gooden’s first year at Santa Fe after transferring from Memorial. Gooden was a big-time transfer as he adds another layer of depth to their backcourt. Gooden is a very skilled guard with a really tight handle, he was effectively manipulating defenders with his active crossover and was able to attack downhill and create advantages. He is a great finisher at/near the rim with his plus vertical athleticism. Gooden has textbook shooting mechanics, smooth stroke off the dribble and off the catch.
Zayden Best | 2025 | Guard | 6’1
I was able to watch Best 2 weekends ago at the RUN Showcase, and Best proved that he is not a one-hit wonder. Best was consistently knocking down triples from NBA range without hesitation. Best hit 4 in a row from deep in 5 on 5 action today, with 2 of them coming off pindowns. Best will be a reliable source for scoring this season for Santa Fe.
Tiki Cowans | 2025 | Big | 6’8
Cowans is a very intriguing prospect with his combination of size and skill; Cowans will be a true difference maker for Santa Fe this season. Cowans had some really impressive passing instincts as a passing hub out of the high post. He put some passes on a rope as he found teammates cutting baseline on target with velocity leading them. Cowans was also dominant on the boards with his length. He offers solid rim protection as a deterrent with his plus wingspan and timely helpside rotations.
Carson Brumbaugh | 2025 | Guard | 6’1
The D1 baseball prospect adds a layer of athleticism to this Santa Fe squad. Brumbaugh is an athletic combo guard with an awesome motor. He has a quick first step to garner paint touches where he draws help and kicks to shooters on the perimeter for high quality looks. He did a good job of using his off-arm to shield his matchup and create driving lanes. He had great activity on the glass, creating multiple second chance opportunities for his team. Brumbaugh attacked really well off the catch with a ton of aggression and embraced contact near the rim.
Some more names that will make an impact for Edmond Santa include Stephen Joshua, a junior guard who is lethal in transition with his quickness, good on-ball defense, and high feel in making the right play consistently. Kai Ellis is another player that will make a significant impact for the Wolves. Ellis is a 6’4 wing with a broad frame and a defensive identity, offers good versatility being able to defend multiple positions.