TOC All-Tournament Team
The Tournament of Champions featured 8 elite teams across the state of Oklahoma. Union entered the tournament ranked the #3 team in Class 6A, but left as the top ranked team after knocking off #2 Midwest City and #1 Edmond…
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Continue ReadingThe Tournament of Champions featured 8 elite teams across the state of Oklahoma. Union entered the tournament ranked the #3 team in Class 6A, but left as the top ranked team after knocking off #2 Midwest City and #1 Edmond North. We step aside from the team analysis and look at the players performances they had this past weekend with the All-Tournament Team.
MVP: Adrian Rodriguez Union 2017 Forward (Signed to UTSA)
UTSA got a steal with signing Rodriguez in the early signing period. At the Tournament of Champions Rodriguez brought an energy boost to the Redskins they were in desperate need of, especially in the championship game. What makes Rodriguez so special is his work on the boards on both ends of the floor. He is arguably the best rebounder in Oklahoma. In the championship game Rodriguez stepped up time and time again scoring the ball at a high level. In the three games at the Tournament of Champions Rodriguez averaged 16.3 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, keep in mind he did not play much in the second half of Union’s route of Tahlequah Sequoyah.
Starters
Keyshawn Embery Midwest City 2018 Guard
The opening day of the tournament Embery dropped a calm 32 points against a talented Tulsa Central team .Embery had a rough tournament from the stand point of injuries. You could say if Embery doesn’t go out with an eye injury against Union that the Bombers could have brought home their second straight Tournament of Champions trophy. However, Embery did get hurt against Union in the semifinals playing just one minute in the first half. In the second half Embery came out of the locker room late and eventually entered the game, but his vision was clearly effected. After a night of rest Embery came back a man on a mission Friday night. Embery scored a career high 50 points against Tulsa Memorial in the third place game. He was efficient 15-26, and flat out clutch. In overtime when Midwest City needed him the most, Embery stepped up scoring 6 huge points. Embery is a national elite prospect in the 2018 Class.
Marvin Johnson Edmond North 2017 Wing
Johnson was terrific all weekend long for Edmond North. He is one of the best at getting to the basket when ever he is attacking with the basketball in his hands. All tournament Johnson pushed the ball up the floor after grabbing a rebound. The height of Johnson at 6’6, length of his wingspan and athleticism make Johnson a physical mismatch for opponents. Not to mention the heart Johnson brings to the floor each night. Johnson had several highlight dunks in his game this weekend as normal. Johnson had a team high 22 points for Edmond North in their loss against Union.
Ethan Chargois Union 2017 Forward (Signed SMU)
Chargois fought foul trouble in the semifinal and championship game, but each time found ways to persevere. Last year Chargois was hurt during the Tournament of Champions playing on a gimpy foot. This year it was clear from the jump, Chargois was full tilt and ready to go after the Tournament of Champions trophy. Chargois was effective on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Chargois did a nice job of mixing up playing on the inside and outside. Defensively, Chargois swatted several shots and made many more of his opponents shots have to be adjusted. Chargois averaged 16.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per game this weekend.
Elijah Landrum Tulsa Central 2017 Guard (Signed SMU)
Landrum scored the most points of any player in the Tournament of Champions field this year. He is an electric 5’9 guard with tons of upside to his game. SMU will be pleased with their addition of Landrum next year. The scoring knack Landrum has is one that not many guards his size tend to have in their arsenal. With the ball in his hands Landrum can score in all three phases of the game. He can create open looks for himself or be a catch and shoot guy. Landrum scored 101 total points for the tournament giving him a 33.7 average per game.
Caleb Nero Tulsa Memorial 2017 Guard
Nero is one of the best unsigned players left in the Oklahoma 2017 Class. He made it very clear that schools need to give him a look at the next level harder than they are currently. Nero has a game similar offensively in some ways to Jamal Crawford. He can be a Point Guard or step off the ball and be a scorer from the two guard position as well. Nero was excellent for Tulsa Memorial in their opening round game against Heritage Hall. In the last two games Nero did everything he could to keep his team in the game late. The performance Nero had on Friday went under the radar a bit in the Tulsa Memorial loss. Nero posted 34 points on 11-20 shooting from the floor in his final game at the Tournament of Champions. Nero is garnering looks from several Division I programs around the country. With performances like ones he had at the Tournament of Champions, Nero will only continue to pick up interest from more Division I programs as the season continues.
For more information email Matt@prephoopsoklahoma.com