The Game: Coweta vs Siloam Springs
Coweta rode a strong shooting display to an early lead in the first quarter. They finished out the quarter after cooling off with a 17 to 9 lead. The second quarter was dominated in everything but the score by Siloam.…
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Continue ReadingCoweta rode a strong shooting display to an early lead in the first quarter. They finished out the quarter after cooling off with a 17 to 9 lead. The second quarter was dominated in everything but the score by Siloam. They slowed down the game and if it were not for a last second 3/4 court shot they would have only trailed by 4 going into the half. However Coweta hit that shot and took the 25-18 lead into the half. Coweta fell cold from the floor in the third quarter. They struggled on the offensive end as Siloam Springs just chipped away at the Coweta lead until the very end when they overcame them to take the 41-39 lead. The fourth quarter was back and forth. If one keep got a small lead the other responded. Siloam Springs hit a huge three with 42 seconds remaining to tie the game at 47 to send it to OT. In OT Siloam Springs was able to take charge of the game. They jumped out to a 7 point lead and did not relinquish it as the went on to win the game 63-56.
Takeaways
Drive and Kick Coweta
Coweta found the most success when they employed their drive and kick offense. Siloam played a 3-2 zone for much of the game and the Tigers were able to exploit it when they attacked the gaps and kicked it out to their open wingers. The first half was a lot of this for Coweta but the second half Coweta struggled to find the gaps when Siloam extended their zone. This was the key in the second part of the game. It is what allowed Siloam to get back into the game.
Just Chip Away Siloam Springs
Siloam Spring’s second half game plan was perfect. They just chipped away at the Coweta lead. They slowly but surely just closed the gap. They stayed composed and found ways to tip the game in their favor. After the third quarter they had not only caught the tigers but taken the lead from them. They still employed the same steady approach afterwards and it led to the victory.
Down to the Wire
This game was the best game of the first round. Both teams were evenly matched and they were able to give a show that any basketball fan would have enjoyed. It had everything. Both teams went on big runs and had their entertaining plays. It even had a 3/4 court buzzer beater that got both sides of the crowd hype. The game went all the way to the wire as Coweta led by three with less than a minute to go. It was a huge three that was knocked down by the Panthers with 42 seconds that changed all the momentum in OT.
Players to Know
Hayden Brewster 2020 Coweta Guard
Brewster is a spot up shooter that pairs perfect with Arreola. If Brewster is left open he is normally going to knock down the shot. He has the ability to find the open spot on the court which makes his shot that much easier. That is also the reason he is a perfect pairing with Arreola because of Arreola’s ability to drive leaves Brewster open out on the wing. He finished with 12 points on the night.
Tyler Arreola 2020 Coweta Guard
Arreola is a raw talent on the offensive end of the game. He plays fast and has some talent. Arreola is good at driving the ball and finding his teammates who are open. He gets the Tigers into their offense and shows a lot of confidence in his play. Arreola’s ability to score off the drive is what makes him dangerous. He draws a lot of attention when he drives which allows his teammates to be open for the easy shots. Arreola had the play of the game right before the half when he hit a 3/4 court shot to electrify the crowd. He finished with 7 points on the night.
Landon Ward 2021 Siloam Springs Guard
Ward is a solid guard that leads his team. He is not afraid of the spotlight and plays with a lot of aggression. He attacks the basket and has the ability to get to the rim through traffic. Ward has good vision and is always playing hard. He plays with effort and emotion that is sometimes lacking from todays game. He wants to win and when he is on the court you know it. Ward finished with 14 points on the night.
Drew Vachon 2020 Siloam Springs Guard
Vachon had a huge second half against Coweta. He came out with some big threes to get the Panthers back into the game. Vachon’s ability from beyond the arc was brilliant in the second half. He was fluid at all three levels as well as he was able to attack the basket and get his mid range to fall. Another often times overlooked aspect of the game is what he excelled at. He thrived at the free throw line down the stretch. He went 7-7 from the line in the overtime period. He finished the game with a game high 22 points.