Prep Hoops Ten Best: Midwest City vs. Putnam City
The Midwest City Bombers struggled early but picked it up in the second half to pick up a road win 86-63 over Putnam City. This 6A matchup was up and down but the Pirates of PCO could not dig their way out of…
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Continue ReadingThe Midwest City Bombers struggled early but picked it up in the second half to pick up a road win 86-63 over Putnam City. This 6A matchup was up and down but the Pirates of PCO could not dig their way out of the hole Keyshawn Embery built with a scorching first half.
MVP: Keyshawn Embery
Embery made it very clear early that he was the best player on the court. Embery hit 5 threes in the first half as well as a couple break away dunks. His partner in crime, Jalen Redmond immediately got in foul trouble but the Bombers adjusted in the second half. Embery finished with 35 points 14 rebounds and 4 assists. Embery handled PCO’s double teams with poise as he was always looking up and finding his teammates for open shots. The 6’3 guard is known as a scorer but he has a versatile game that doesn’t depend on if his shot is falling or not. Embery put on a show in the first half and PCO could not fully recover.
Play of the Game: Embery’s Barrage
There was a particular sequence in the first quarter where Embery rained down a barrage of threes which opened up the lead for MWC mid-way through. Defenders were draped all of over the scoring guard but it did not effect his hot streak. Putnam City bounced back from a rough first quarter but it was the play of Embery offensively that created issues.
Best Offensive Performance: Keyshawn Embery
Embery finished with an efficient 35 points and put his high offensive skill level on full display. Being one of the best players in the state brings a lot of defensive attention, which is why this performance is so impressive. Embery hit pull-up threes as well as shots on the move off screens. There was not a better offensive player on the floor.
Best Defensive Performance: Josh Rivers MWC
In a game that was up and down, Rivers stood out because of his stellar on-ball pressure and caused a five second count. Rivers is small in stature but is very quick on his feet and he was able to disrupt the ball handler’s rhythm.
Best Under the Radar Performance: Jaylen Gotcher PCO
Gotcher came in the game and immediately made his presence felt with two 3 pointers late in the first quarter. Gotcher is a 6’5 wing who can not only stretch the floor but he also may have been the best rebounder in the game. The PCO bigs get a lot of attention but Gotcher is the most talented player on the roster and college coaches should take notice.
Best Underclassmen: D.J. Walter
Embery is the best underclassman in the state but he had plenty of help to defeat PCO. DJ Walter showed up big for the Bombers knocking down open shots and cutting off screens to get layups. With Jalen Redmond in foul trouble throughout the game, Walter was thrust into a secondary scoring role and he stepped up to the challenge.
Best Passer: Keyshawn Embery
Embery got hot early so PCO made the adjustment of doubling the 6’3 wing for the rest of the game. Most scorers keep shooting even though there is an open teammate. Embery chose to take advantage of the double team and get rid of the ball early so his teammates could attack the basket with 4 on 3. When your star player is a willing passer then it becomes contagious throughout the team which is what lead the Bombers to victory.
Best story going forward: MWC role players
The supporting cast for MWC was impressive Tuesday night in their season opener. DJ Walters stepped up offensively when Redmond was in foul trouble. Josh Rivers was a pest defensively and ran the offense. It will be interesting to see if the role players for MWC can keep this up throughout the season and if so then the Bombers will lock up a spot at the state tournament.