Ozark Mountain Shootout Preview: Day One
Brian McTague had a vision of bringing quality basketball to the Ozarks in the form of a two-day shootout. In the fifth year of the event it is safe to say that McTague has hit a homerun. This year’s field…
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Continue ReadingBrian McTague had a vision of bringing quality basketball to the Ozarks in the form of a two-day shootout. In the fifth year of the event it is safe to say that McTague has hit a homerun. This year’s field is the most loaded to date with state-ranked teams from Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas, as well as several high-major prospects. The first day of the event is set with three Missouri vs. Oklahoma matchups. Here’s what you need to know.
Ozark vs. 6A No. 9 Booker T. Washington, 6 p.m.
Last year BTW came to town and lost to Shawnee Mission South by one but beat Glendale by one the very next night. The Hornets are one of the most talented teams in Oklahoma, led by 2017 G RJ Fuqua. Fuqua is a handful. He’s lightning quick, has range and is a crafty finisher despite being undersized. UMKC, Houston Baptist and Oral Roberts have all offered. He’s hardly alone. The Hornets also have 6’6 senior Seth Hurd patrolling the paint. Hurd is a rebounder, rim protector, finisher and 2020 G Bryce Thompson will end up being one of the top prospects in Oklahoma when all is said and done. He’s a 6’3 wing that is a natural scorer and has a frame that is ready to produce now. Ozark doesn’t have any elite prospects but the Tigers are extremely balanced. Mark Schweitzer’s teams play fast and are traditionally relentless. They are adjusting to new roles after losing a talented senior class, but 2018 guards Quinn Nelson and Parker Hanks have the ability to score in bunches.
Class 3 No. 1 Cardinal Ritter vs. 5A No. 10 Ardmore, 7:30 p.m.
Ardmore is struggling after losing standout Marvin Johnson to transfer and they’ll have their hands full with Cardinal Ritter. Jared Phillips is the straw that stirs the drink. The 5’11 2018 prospect is dynamic on gridiron and court. He was the MVP of the Borgia Turkey Tournament after averaging 18.3 PPG in three games but his best attribute is his ability to pressure the ball and change games defensively. Athletic 2017 F Xavier Womack (14.4 PPG, 9 RPG, 2 BPG) is an efficient scorer and attacks the rim with the best of them. Phillips’ backcourt mate – 5’10 2019 G Malek Davis – is also dynamic off the bounce and has the ability to score or facilitate, but he’s a more consistent shooter from 3. This Ritter team is one of Missouri’s best, regardless of class.
Glendale 6A No. 6 Norman North, 9 p.m.
This should be the most entertaining game of the night. Obviously Trae Young is the draw. The 6’2 senior is ranked No. 15 in the ESPN100 and continues to draw Steph Curry comparisons. His range is ridiculous and his feel for the game is freakish. Kansas, Kentucky and Oklahoma are all in the hunt, but there is still speculation that he may head to Washington to team up with Michael Porter Jr. – his MOKAN Elite teammate. North also has 6’7 senior Winston Nelson. He’s a bit of a bruiser and his size is something that Glendale has no way to match. Nelson has a 4.45 GPA which has earned him a ton of Ivy League interest. D-2s are heavy in the mix, but expect more D-1s to get involved as well. 2018 G Jalen Crutchfield is yet another intriguing prospect for Norman North. He gives the Timberwolves a “Splash Brothers” element because of his ability to stretch defenses via screens or catch-and-shoot situations. He’s also on several D-1 radars. Being able to play alongside Young has only helped to elevate his game. Fellow 2018 G Juwan White is a scary athlete and has no problem finishing in transition.
Glendale has its own “Splash Brothers” in 2018 guards in Monty Johal and Jordan Walton will have a chance to make a name for themselves in this matchup. Johal is a 6’2 scoring machine. However you want a bucket, he can get it for you. Johal averaged 25 PPG as a sophomore and could end up being Springfield Public Schools all-time leading scorer. Walton is more of a true point guard. He attacks to create offense for himself or others and shoots it well from 3. Johal has received mid-major offers and a range of D-1 interest. Walton is still in the talking phase. There are few concerns that both will play D-1 basketball, but the level remains to be seen. Glendale doesn’t have much size at all and Johal and Walton thrive in transition. Don’t expect to see this game in the halfcourt much.