Quick thoughts on Olive Branch and Center Hill
Olive Branch and Center Hill will not play one another in the upcoming regular season, but both teams were able to agree on a summer league game in the Jerry Peters Memphis Summer Classic. And boy, it was a dandy.…
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Continue ReadingOlive Branch and Center Hill will not play one another in the upcoming regular season, but both teams were able to agree on a summer league game in the Jerry Peters Memphis Summer Classic.
And boy, it was a dandy.
The ‘Quistors built a double-digit lead at one point in the first half, but the Mustangs made big time 3s in the third quarter and late in the fourth quarter to come away with the 72-68 win over their in-state rival.
Center Hill has won the last three meetings against Olive Branch dating back to last season. Both teams should be in the mix for a state tournament appearance. As of right now, the Mustangs should be the favorite in 5A while the ‘Quistors should be in the mix in 6A along with Starkville.
Both teams are done playing for the summer and now, it’s time to dive into what I saw from both programs.
First, Olive Branch:
Cameron Matthews is the ‘Quistors’ best player on the perimeter
Matthews is able to draw a lot of attention because of his athleticism and 6-foot-6 frame. He’s very athletic and has improved on his outside shooting. Matthews has never had to be the No. 1 scoring option for Olive Branch in the past with D.J. Jeffries on the floor. He’s able to create for others. Now, let’s see if he can keep it up and lead the ‘Quistors.
They’re going to need him.
Terry Joiner Jr. has potential
The 6-6 forward will help Olive Branch space the floor. Joiner Jr. is only a sophomore with upside. He’s always ready to shoot when the basketball comes his way. Joiner Jr. is very active and alert on the defensive end. Now, he needs some work with his ball handling and posting up on the block, but Joiner Jr.’s future is bright.
Wes Taylor is smooth
The senior point guard will have his way almost every night getting into the paint. Taylor’s ball handling is impeccable and makes things look easy when he gets into the paint. Let’s not forget that Taylor can shoot from the outside. He’s one of the toughest, skilled point guards in the area.
Now, Center Hill:
Braxton Morris is legit
With Calvin Temple, Kevin Henry and Kenneth Lewis out of the way, it’s the Braxton Morris show. I came away impressed with his court vision and playmaking abilities. Morris is a pass-first point guard, but can score when he needs to. The 6-1 guard had 20 points, five rebounds and two assists against the ‘Quistors.
Kaeden Laws has old school style in his game
Laws has never been flashy. He just makes plays. Laws doesn’t force anything. He allows the game to come to him. Laws has improved on his ball handling skills, and he’s no longer settling for outside jump shots. Laws is starting to use upper body strength against defenders and not too many are going to stop him, especially if they’re not his height (6-4) or taller. He had 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists Thursday night.
The other guards will need to continue to step up
Wiith Morris being a pass-first point guard, he will need shooters around him on the floor. DeShun Dunn (13 points), Zandon Haralson (eight points) and Jacquez Hardin (eight points) will need to contribute offensively each time they’re on the floor. Morris is going to find them on every possession. They just have to be ready to shoot.
It’s that simple.