Titan Classic Evening Session, Top Peformers

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Carl Albert 74 McAlester 56</strong></p> <p>Tournaments hosts Carl Albert opened up against fellow 5A squad McAlester. The Buffalos look much improved this season and it wasn’t till the second half the Titans were able to shake free to build a comfortable lead in the second half. It was a good win for a young Titans squad, and showed that McAlester could have a chance to make some noise in the 5A playoffs next month. </p> <p><strong>Top Performers</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1211255" first="Jordan" last="England"], 6’2 Guard, Junior, Carl Albert</p> <p>With the graduation of most of last year’s Class 5A state championship squad, England has been handed the reigns for the Titans. Still a score first player, he excelled as the primary scorer on the night. He carved up the Buffalos with drives, while showing good shooting ability. The lefty is a scorer first, but he was not a ball stopper with the ball in his hands. He kept the ball moving and had flashes of showing good floor vision</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1367219" first="Quincy" last="Hopkins"], 6’3 Wing, Sophomore, Carl Albert</p> <p>It’s really hard to not see flashbacks to Trey’von Hopkins (2018 Carl Albert), when watching the sophomore as the younger Hopkins movements are nearly a carbon copy. He’s already super strong, using that ability to bully the opposition as a defender and to finish at the rim. Based on his development this season for Carl Albert, Hopkins looks posed to becoming one of the most explosive athletes in Oklahoma.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1367218" first="Jayden" last="Mott"], 6’6 Forward, Sophomore, Carl Albert</p> <p>The sophomore continues to pass the eye test with a bouncy playing style. He was more active tonight and made his presence felt all night around the rim. Mott remains more potential than potential but progress is being made. If progress continues, Mott has a chance to emerge as one of the top prospects in Class of 2024.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="955387" first="Adante" last="Holiman"], 6’0 Guard, Senior, McAlester</p> <p>Holiman is a microwave scorer, lethal with the ball in his hands. His pull up moves are now more fluid and quicker when he stepbacks to create space for his jumper. The seniors compact and strong body allows him to take contact when attacking the rim. What was impressive tonight was improved shot selection and he set up his teammates for easy scores. It was more of complete performance and good to see improvement from the UT Rio Grande Valley signee.</p> <p>Malachi Wrice, 6’6 Forward, Sophomore, McAlester</p> <p>The big body sophomore, adds a much needed post support to the Buffalos. He’s a space eater around the rim, with soft hands, giving him good touch to finish at the rim. Wrice was productive as a post target for Holiman when giving chances. But he’s not just a big body. The sophomore showed some good passing touch and even had a good moment as a ballhandler in transition.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Destiny Christian 61 Bartlesville 54</strong></p> <p>Destiny Christian is a small private school in Del City. On Thursday night against one of the best players in Oklahoma they proved they have big time players. After a back and forth first half, the Wildcats and their depth of talent came in waves. They built their lead up to double digits at one point in the second half, and then held off the Bruins’ rally. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Top Performers</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1211243" first="Sentinel" last="Moore"], 6’6 Forward, Junior, Destiny Christian</p> <p>Long and athletic, Moore rebounded with authority.  He was a revelation with the way he attacked every ball in the air. Moore’s rebounding alone would’ve been enough to make him the standout from the game. But he showed soft hands as a post scorer.  And even stepped out and nailed a corner three. There is clear Division One potential for this junior post player.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1164869" first="KJ" last="Jefferson"], 6’5 Wing, Senior, Destiny Christian </p> <p>A classic slasher and defensive specialist. Jefferson flew around and recorded blocks and deflections. While he also finished drives strongly and athletically. </p> <p>Labron Wilson, 6’4 Wing, Junior, Destiny Christian</p> <p>Destiny Christian has an abundance of athletes and Wilson is another example of that. Along with being disruptive on defense, he has a slippery driving style as an attacker. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Eric Ball, 6’0 Guard, Senior, Destiny Christian</p> <p>The playmaking floor general for the Wildcats was a big reason why all the athletes they have on the floor were able to get the ball in positions to score. Ball has a flair to his game and great floor vision. He found teammates open on cuts to the basket or spotted shooters open along the perimeter. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Jude Hill, 6’2 Guard, Sophomore, Destiny Christian</p> <p>The sophomore guard hit timely jumpers, bringing floor spacing to allow his teammates to go to work around the rim. Along with being a good shooter, he already had a good frame for a young player. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1367213" first="David" last="Castillo"], 6’2 Guard, Sophomore, Bartlesville </p> <p>The super sophomore attempted to rally his Bruins with a flurry of fourth quarter drives. Unfortunately his jumper never started fully falling, which hindered the comeback attempt. It was still an impressive display of scoring off the bounce. The 5 star recruit has amazing body control and strength. Meaning he’s able to either avoid contact or power through contact when attacking the rim. Castillo’s floater game was also on display. As he often scored over the outstretched arms of a long Wildcats defense. </p>