Five Takeaways: Norman North vs Deer Creek

<p>Norman North comes out with the road victory over Deer Creek 60-50 led by a total team effort and active defense. Here are the Five Takeaways from the 6A matchup:</p> <p><strong>Norman North defensive versatility </strong></p> <p>Not many teams can switch on defense positions 3-5 and feel comfortable. Shemar Smith, Aiden Walker, and Jaylon White are huge weapons for the T’Wolves on defense.</p> <p>They have quick feet and do a great job of getting in the passing lanes. All three can hold their own one-on-one on the perimeter which helps the defense stay solid and not have to help off shooters. </p> <p>Their flexibility on defense has been a big key to their success this season.</p> <p><strong>Zach Tretheway of Deer Creek was lights out from deep.</strong></p> <p>The Antlers were missing their top scorer in Miles Slater so someone had to step on the perimeter.</p> <p>Tretheway took on the scoring load as he hit 4 threes in the first half. All of his shots came off effortlessly. </p> <p>The junior guard has a smooth stroke and can get it off quickly. He also showed some ability to put the ball on the floor and use up and unders to score in the paint.</p> <p><strong>Josh Crutchfield was big off the bench</strong></p> <p> North got off to a sloppy start in the first quarter with unnecessary turnovers. </p> <p>That all changed when Crutchfield came in and hit two back-to-back threes which changed the feel of the game. The T’Wolves all of a sudden had a pep in their step and started to play sound basketball.</p> <p>NN finished the 1st quarter with a 20-9 lead and that partly due to Crutchfield contribution off the bench. His ability to stretch the floor was key in the first half. </p> <p><strong>Good teams show up with a man down</strong></p> <p>Deer Creek was down their best player and they played with a Spurs-like mentality and expected to win in spite of. </p> <p>Norman North is one of the best teams in 6A and DC played a competitive game until the end and didn’t make excuses. Alot of teams would have quit with the deficit got to 17 points in the third quarter. DC fought back to make a 4 point game midway through the fourth. </p> <p>That’s a testament to the culture that has been built.</p> <p><strong>Norman North’s ceiling</strong></p> <p>The T’Wolves will be able to hang with anybody strategically. They have a very good coach and a roster of smart players.</p> <p>Their versatility on defense will cause issues and make the offenses they face rely on isolation to beat them. </p> <p>Their guard play will be the biggest X-factor for their season. Teams are going to try and press them all game long but if they can handle the press and get the offense going, NN will have an opportunity to win any game they are in. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>