What did we learn at the Edmond Open?
The Edmond Open featured five teams in the top ten of their class with the majority of teams being from Class 6A. Over the weekend several things were made very evident. Prep Hoops breaks down what the tournament showed us.
Edmond North is the best team in Oklahoma
Before this weekend the argument could have been made for the top spot between three teams, but North made it clear they are the most dominant team in the state at this point in the season. On Friday night Edmond North made a statement with a blowout win over #3 Lawton Ike. The game was never close after the Huskies pulled away early in the second half. Edmond North continued their great play in the championship game against Midwest City. The Huskies overcame a strong second half comeback from the Bombers to win a close game in the finals. Marques Wilson and Harrison Stoddart are the two main pieces back from last years state tournament team. They have done a good job of integrating the new players into Edmond North basketball.
Midwest City has what it takes this year
It has been two years since Midwest City has made the Class 6A state tournament, but that will change this year. The Bombers proved they have what it takes this weekend with a double-digit win over #4 Putnam City North. Early in the championship game against Edmond North it appeared as if Midwest City was set for a blowout loss to Edmond North. It was 35-14 Edmond North at the end of the first quarter. Instead of laying down the Bombers fought back. Midwest City came all the way back to take a 63-62 lead late in the fourth. Edmond North hit big shots when it counted, but the fight of the Bombers proved they have what it takes to make the state tournament this year and contend for the Gold Ball.
Johnson has great potential
Marvin Johnson has been touted by the Prep Hoops Oklahoma staff for quite some time as the most under the radar player in Oklahoma. Academics may force Johnson to go the JUCO route before Division I, but Johnson has so much potential it is scary. The improvement in Johnson’s game under Edmond North Head Coach Terry Evans is evident. Johnson got the rim whenever he wanted to throughout the tournament. He still is raw in many areas, but has so much unlocked potential to be a star. Johnson will be a steal for whatever college lands him.
Embery has elevated his game
Keyshawn Embery went off for 29 points in the first half against Putnam City North with a great shooting performance from three-point range.
The biggest change in the 2018 Combo Guard’s game is his efficacy as a shooter. When the ball leaves his hand Embery has great confidence each time that it is going to go in. He has always been a good athlete with good handles and the ability to get to the rim. The new found confidence Embery has in his jump shot has taken his game to another level. Also, Embery has made it point to be a two way player matching up against the opponents best guard the majority of the time. He is a high major Division I 2018 national recruit.
Putnam City North is still learning
The Panthers have several new additions with Adokiye Iyaye and Blake Owens coming over from Piedmont. Not to mention many younger players have been thrust into varsity action for their first time. Midwest City controlled most of the game on Friday night, but it was in large part due to the chemistry and experience of the Bombers. Putnam City North is inexperienced and still in the learning stage. Iyaye is a good talent with a couple of Division I offers already on the table. The Panthers will continue to improve, but they are not at an elite level yet.
Ball movement is the key to success for Edmond North
Edmond North does not waste anytime getting the ball up the floor. In this day and age of basketball often times players dribble the ball to much, but Coach Evans has his players pressing the ball up the floor constantly searching for the open man. Carlos Coppage did a great job all weekend long of getting the ball into the hands of the Huskies playmakers in the best possible position. Ball movement allows Edmond North to get open looks for each one of their players. They rarely take bad shots become of how well they move the ball.
Lawton Ike is not there yet
Lawton Ike suffered two defeats on the weekend. The Eagles have a tough hill to climb in Class 5A with two elite teams in Carl Albert and Tulsa Memorial. If Lawton Ike wants to become a team that can compete at a high level with the likes of Carl Albert and Tulsa Memorial then they have work to do. There were several good signs on the weekend for Lawton Ike. RJ Fisher led the team very well at the Point Guard spot. With the ball in his hands Fisher does a good job of controlling the pace. Kinyon Parker was another bright spot for Lawton Ike with great shooting from behind the arc.
Edmond Santa Fe is close
This weekend Edmond Santa Fe came up just short to Putnam City North in the opening round of the Edmond Open. Some might say the Wolves have some work to do, which they do. However, Edmond Santa Fe is not to far off from being a legitimate state tournament team in Class 6A. Tauriawn Knight had a huge weekend on both ends of the floor for the Wolves. Edmond Santa Fe has good senior leadership under Kristoff Hayden and DeAngelo Adkins to go along with Knight. Don’t be surprised if Edmond Santa Fe sneaks in to the state tournament.
For more information email Matt@prephoopsoklahoma.com