Prep Hoops 10 Best: Tulsa Memorial vs. East Central
The Prep Hoops Oklahoma staff was out for our first Game of the Week, Tuesday night. This one feature two of TPS’ finest as the Tulsa Memorial took on the East Central Cardinals. These two teams feature some of the best guards in the state in Caleb Nero and Burke Putnam, while many others put up big performances.
MVP: Kobe Rose Tulsa Memorial
Rose had an outstanding game scoring the ball at each level. He shot the ball well from deep and was able to get his spots on the floor and rise over smaller defenders. He wasn’t the leading scorer for Memorial but his emphatic dunk absolutely changed the flow of the game. East Central was able to match Memorial bucket for bucket most of the third quarter. But when Roses threw it down over his defender the Chargers were able to ride the wave of their home crowd to a 90-72 victory. Rose finished with 23 points on the night
Play of the game: See for yourself.
KOBE ROSE ladies and gentlemen
💪🔥😎 pic.twitter.com/srQ1OQCKjG— Prep Hoops Oklahoma (@PrepHoopsOK) November 23, 2016
Best Offensive Performance: Burke Putnam East Central
Putnam got off to a bit of a slow start have to deal with the length of the Chargers. He picked up about midway through the second quarter and the hoop only got bigger from there. Putnam finished with five 3’s on the night. He was also impressive in his ability to get his teammates open looks. His handle is crafty enough to get in the lane and change big men. Putnam scored 26 points in the loss.
Best Defensive Performance: Kobe Rose Tulsa Memorial
Rose not only poured in a great performance on the offensive end, he also was tasked with guarding Putnam for most of the night. He has grown to 6’3” for his final season and uses every bit of it on the defensive end. Rose did well as and individual defender. His length can cause problems, he can stay in front and contest without fouling. Look for Rose to neutralized opposing guards all season.
Best Intangibles: Isaiah Thomas Tulsa Memorial
Thomas has a future as an Oklahoma Sooner football player until then his services are well appreciated as a member of the Chargers basketball team. His presence alone requires teams to pack the paint opening up three point opportunities for teammates. He finished with 14 points, many of those because of his relentless attack on the offensive. Thomas also clogs the paint and defends the pick and roll well.
Best Under-the-radar Performance: Michuan Ledbetter East Central
Ledbetter was a large reason that the Cardinals were able to hang tough throughout the third quarter. He got hot from deep pouring in three three-pointers in the third and finishing with 20 points. Ledbetter also showed his ability to drive the lane and draw fouls as he shot 10 free throws on the night. Putnam could use a complementary scorer, Ledbetter showed promise that he could step into that role.
Best Underclassmen: Kalib Boone
Memorial Head Coach Bobby Allison has a healthy big man rotation and Boone adds to that depth. He stands at 6’7” with an incredible wingspan. He is thin but plays tough on both ends of the floor. Look for Boone’s role to increase more and more as the season goes on.
Best Passer: Shemar Walker Tulsa Memorial
Walker ran point most of the night for the chargers. He did an excellent job of making sure all of his teammates were in the right place and moving the ball effectively. One thing that stood out about Walker was his ability to make good entry passes to the post. Many smaller guards s-truggle with post entry passes but Walker can get it done off the lob or the bounce.
Best Story Moving Forward: Memorial’s versatility
Tulsa Memorial has historically produced well-disciplined ball clubs and it shows in banners. Nero and Rose lead the attack this year. This team will reek havoc with their big man line up. With the size and length this team has and their commitment to the defensive, they certainly look like the favorite to capture the 5A State Championship in may.
2017 PG Caleb Nero turned in a nice performance for Memorial last night scoring 28 points with 8 assists at the Point. #PrepHoops pic.twitter.com/i90It4N3rL
— Prep Hoops Oklahoma (@PrepHoopsOK) November 23, 2016