Instant Classic: Standouts from Blair Oaks vs Tolton

<p>Prep Hoops traveled a total of 566 miles on "Championship Saturday" and stop two took us to Eldon High School where a pair of Class 3 powerhouse programs battled it out for the District 9 title. #1 Blair Oaks (25-2) and #4 Father Tolton (20-4) put on an instant classic that was easily the best game in the best atmosphere that I have been a part of this season.</p> <p>What makes a game special? Overtime? We had two of them. Buzzer-beaters and fans storming the floor in celebration? Well, you could say we had two of those as well. Big-time players? This was a game that featured two of the deepest, most talented rosters in the state regardless of class and the star-power was on full display. Unsung heroes? You betcha.</p> <p>In a brilliantly played, and coached, game Blair Oaks and Tolton traded blows in a back and forth affair from tip to final horn and then some. The game could really be summed up by the final seconds of double-overtime. After forcing a turnover while down one, Tolton saw a busted play turn into a heroic go ahead three pointer that initially appeared to end the game with the Trailblazers on top 57-55.</p> <p>Not so fast. Officials cleared the floor of ecstatic fans and determined that 1.6 seconds be added back on the clock, giving Blair Oaks one final shot. A well-drawn in-bounds play saw Blair Oaks sophomore guard Quinn Kusgen break free and heave a last second attempt from just inside half-court that found the bottom of the net. Blair Oaks came away with the stunning 58-57 victory and this time the floor filled with green.</p> <p>Here's a look at the top performers from what may have been the game of the year between two fantastic teams:</p> <p><strong>6'9 Sr <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/eric-northweather/">Eric Northweather</a> | Blair Oaks</strong></p> <p>Eric played a magnificent game Saturday against Tolton. He was very aggressive on both ends of the floor. Had some crucial blocks and rebounds defensively. Versatile as a scorer. Showed a nice array of moves on the block including some fancy spin move footwork to get by a defender for a bucket and a tough turnaround fadaway jumper. He knocked down a pair of threes and showed impressive ball skills for his size and length. Brought the ball up the floor confidently against pressure and has the ability to attack off the dribble. He finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds in the win.</p> <p><strong>6'9 So Luke Northweather | Blair Oaks</strong></p> <p>The younger Northweather is going to be a problem for years to come. He is essentially the same size as Eric already and developing a similar skill-set. He did an excellent job of extending possessions on the offensive end by crashing the offensive glass or tipping out to teammates. He can post and score it on the block. Had a couple nice individual plays including an acrobatic up and under finish and a rip and go drive from the perimeter to beat his defender for a lay-up.</p> <p><strong>6'0 So Quinn Kusgen | Blair Oaks</strong></p> <p>Quinn is a crafty young guard with ice water in the veins. He plays with a fearless confidence and was up for the challenge in a big game. Knifed his way into the lane and finished a floater over the top of the Tolton center and followed that up later with a creative underhand scoop finish off a drive. Knocked down a pair of big threes including the buzzer-beating game winner from just inside half-court in double-overtime.</p> <p><strong>6'10 So Jevon Porter | Father Tolton</strong></p> <p>Jevon stepped up and played a terrific game Saturday. He was more physical and active on the block than I've seen in a while and more than held his own against a big Blair Oaks front line. Dropped in a tough jump hook and had a monster throw-down in traffic. Did a good job of identifying mismatch opportunities and cashing in. He was critical for Tolton's back line defense and rim protection. Finished with 15 points.</p> <p><strong>6'2 Sr Nate Schwartze | Father Tolton</strong></p> <p>Nate has taken his game to another level in the absence of star guard <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/coban-porter/">Coban Porter</a>. He had an electric feel with the ball in his hands and played with incredible heart. He made some big plays that won't show up on the stat sheet, was strong with the ball, and buried a tough step back and a huge three-pointer.</p> <p><strong>6'2 Sr <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/deuce-tatum/">Deuce Tatum</a> | Father Tolton</strong></p> <p>Deuce has also stepped up as of late for Tolton. He looked explosive in transition. Finished well inside the arc where he sank a pull-up mid-range jumper, had a crafty up and under finish, and blew by a defender on a baseline drive for a bucket. Made big plays defensively including a block and steal that led to a big bucket on the other end. He was all over the floor with high motor. He also had the key assist that led to the go ahead three pointer in double overtime with 1.6 remaining.</p> <p><strong>6'4 Sr Jonny Berndt | Father Tolton</strong></p> <p>Berndt is a very important floor spacer for Tolton that plays a tough, scrappy game. He had a big put back late in the game and also stepped up and drilled a go ahead three pointer from the top of the key which at the time appeared to be the game winner in double overtime. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>