Southmoore Versus Norman: Seven Intriguing Prospects

<p>The Southmoore SaberCats advanced to 9-5 on Friday night with a 64-50 victory over Norman. Neither team led by more than 7 points entering the fourth quarter, creating an exciting game with plenty of talent to watch from both squads. Here are the seven the most intriguing prospects from the game:</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Jordan Thompson 2020 Southmoore point guard</strong></span></p> <p>Jordan Thompson led both teams in scoring on Friday night and was undoubtedly the most valuable player in the win. Thompson dropped 21 for the SaberCats, 10 of which came in the fourth quarter. Though he struggled to get the separation he wanted to knock down shots early, he used the dribble, settled in, and cashed out late in the game to extend the Southmoore lead out of Norman’s reach.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Jonah Paden 2020 Norman wing</strong></span></p> <p>Jonah Paden was probably the best player in the loss for the Tigers on Friday night. He led the Tigers in scoring with 17 points, 9 of which came from 3-pointers. He had a hand in the Tigers’ offensive and defensive success, grabbing rebounds and playing physical to score for NHS. His lateral footwork was a weapon for the Tigers. Paden has continued to impress me more and more each time I have seen him.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Steven Jackson 2020 Southmoore wing</strong></span></p> <p>Steven Jackson was called the “unsung hero” of the game by Southmoore Head Coach Tim Stogsdill. Jackson, who finished second in scoring for the SaberCats with 12 points, played some of his best ball on Friday night. Most notably, he knocked down a pair of big shots to help the SaberCats get the lead they wanted to win the game. He has some strength and speed to him and played spectacular defense, giving the SaberCats a “glue guy” presence all night.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sam Godwin 2020 Southmoore forward</span></strong></p> <p>Sam Godwin played a heck of a game for the SaberCats and was one of the most important factors in their win. The 6-foot-7 junior definitely plays big, but also can play a bit a floor general role from the high post. He got boards, put the ball into the hole, drew fouls, played defense, and even gave a dish or two in the Southmoore win. Godwin even laid down a pretty disgusting dunk in the second quarter of the game.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ben Emmert 2020 Norman swingman</span></strong></p> <p>Ben Emmert, who was offered by Southwestern Oklahoma State earlier this week, had a great showing for the Tigers. The junior is typically ever-present on the floor, playing well in the inside game and on the perimeter; that value rang true Friday night. Emmert is kind of a Mr. Everything for the Tigers. Though he is really probably a post, he is one of the fastest players on the floor and can hold his own on the perimeter. He has a good mid-range and 3-point shot as well.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Darrin Ryan 2020 Southmoore guard</strong></span></p> <p>Darrin Ryan still has me impressed from the earlier matchups I’ve seen him. Ryan rings in at 5-foot-11, but is one of the most physical, tenacious players you will see on both ends of the court. I can’t help but mention his control in going from hustling his way across the floor to knocking down a shot for the SaberCats. His defense is also impeccable, relentless and intelligent.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Jaden Bray 2021 Norman point guard</strong></span></p> <p>Jaden Bray has continually imposed his status as one of the most athletic, hoop-conscious young point guards in the lower OKC metro this season. Bray was not a huge factor in scoring for the Tigers, but came up big in his attack-first minded-style of play. Even if you're not getting the ball to fall, you can still draw defenders onto yourself if you play with tenacity and attack the hole, and that was the greatest impact Bray had on Friday night.</p>