10 Best: Blair Oaks vs. Southern Boone
There was a big showdown in Mid Missouri on Tuesday night as Blair Oaks hosted Class 3 No. 1 ranked Southern Boone in a battle of Tri-County Conference rivals. The two teams met three weeks ago in the championship game…
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Continue ReadingThere was a big showdown in Mid Missouri on Tuesday night as Blair Oaks hosted Class 3 No. 1 ranked Southern Boone in a battle of Tri-County Conference rivals. The two teams met three weeks ago in the championship game of the Tri-County Conference Tournament with Southern Boone taking a 68-67 victory in a real thriller.
Tuesday night’s rematch was more of a grind it out affair as both teams struggled with their shooting in the first half. In the second half, host Blair Oaks took control of the game behind the dominant post play of 6’6″ Jason Rackers, plus a strong defense that forced turnovers and created numerous transition baskets. The end result was a 65-52 Blair Oaks victory that knocked Southern Boone from the ranks of the unbeaten after 15 consecutive victories. Blair Oaks put four players in double figures, led by Rackers’ 29 points.
These two quality teams have now split their first two meetings. A possible third game could take place in the postseason as they are also in the same district.
Scoring
Blair Oaks (65)
Jason Rackers 29, Thomas Verslues 13, Tim Fick 11, Dylan Skinner 10, Ben Ward 2
Southern Boone (52)
Zane Safley 15, Maguire Scheer 13, Sam Stichnote 11, Spencer Taggart 9, Garret Goodnight 2, Nic Ditter 2
Now, on to the best of the night:
MVP: Jason Rackers (Blair Oaks): The 6’6″ 2017 post player was a dominant force on both ends of the floor with 29 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and several altered shots. Rackers took full advantage of his size against a smaller Southern Boone team that didn’t have a starter taller than 6’1.
Best Offensive Player: Jason Rackers (Blair Oaks): Much of Rackers’ stellar offensive work took place in the paint as he scored on post up plays, lob passes and strong cuts to the basket. He also did a nice job of knocking down his free throws.
Best Shooter: Zane Safley (Southern Boone): The 6’2″ 2017 guard made a game-high five 3-pointers en route to scoring 15 points to lead the Eagles. Safley has a smooth lefty stroke with excellent range and a quick release.
Best Passer: Dylan Skinner (Blair Oaks): The 6’2″ 2017 guard scored 10 points but he did a tremendous job of passing the ball throughout the game. He was responsible for many of Rackers’ buckets inside with some nifty post feeds, including touch passes and excellent lobs over the top. Skinners’ overall floor game was excellent.
Key Sequence: Southern Boone had the lead midway through the third quarter when 6’1″ 2018 forward Sam Stichnote picked up his third and fourth personal fouls in succession, thus forcing him to the sidelines. The Eagles held on a for a few minutes, but the loss of one of their key players was too much to overcome as Blair Oaks went on a big run to take control of the game.
Best Young Prospect: Sam Stichnote (Southern Boone): The 6’1″ 2019 wing player scored 10 points despite being saddled with the foul trouble. Stichnote is an excellent athlete who attacks the basket well and knows how to get buckets. On a team full of shooters, his ability to slash makes him difficult to defend.