6A West Regionals 1: Top Performers

Sam Duren February 28, 2022 @ 11:28 PM

Westmoore started the game on a 9-0 run. A timeout from the Yellowjackets stopped the bleeding, they turned up the defense and slowly climbed back into the contest. Inside scoring from senior forward Robert Gambill Robert Gambill 6'6" | SF Choctaw | 2022 OK and three pointers from sophomore Camden Hyman helped Choctaw close the gap and take the lead into the half. In the second half sophomore Ja’Mon Valentine Ja’Mon Valentine 6'2" | CG Choctaw | 2024 State OK got it going with crafty scoring at the rim. While junior guard Camren Hunt sat the tone defensive, and did an outstanding job of limiting talented Westmoore junior guard Evan Barber Evan Barber 6'1" | CG Westmoore | 2023 State OK .

Top Performers

Camren Hunt, 5’10 Point Guard, Choctaw

After the slow start, it was Hunt’s intensity on defense that helped set the tone for the Yellowjackets. Evan Barber Evan Barber 6'1" | CG Westmoore | 2023 State OK was one of the top scorers in the Oklahoma City area this winter, but Hunt was on him like a second jersey. Rarely giving him a clean look in the second half, and even drawing a charge. Offensively Hunt plays a big role as a playmaker and driver, which helps take some of the ballhandling pressure off Valentine.

Ja’Mon Valentine Ja’Mon Valentine 6'2" | CG Choctaw | 2024 State OK , 6’2 Sophomore Guard, Choctaw

By the high standards of the talented sophomore, it was a quieter night for Valentine. This was largely become he wasn’t bombing from three with his usually proficiency. He still got it going in the second half as a driver to the rim. He mixed in floaters and crafty finishes through contact, proving why he’s already among the best scorers in the state in only his second high school season.

Robert Gambill Robert Gambill 6'6" | SF Choctaw | 2022 OK , 6’6 Senior Forward, Choctaw

Senior urgency is a big theme for the playoffs, and the Hesston college signee is somehow playing even harder for Choctaw. Along with his rebounding and non stop motor, he was efficient around the rim as a roll man and rebounder, and even stepped out and nailed a first half three.

Edmond Memorial 44 Putnam City 25

The Bulldogs of Edmond Memorial are often a well oiled machine. Tonight it was on the defensive side that this was evident, as they smothered the Pirates and rarely gave them clean looks at the rim. While offensively they never fully got rolling as they preferred a patient method. That involved controlling the game, and picking apart the Pirates defense with open shots at the rim or open three pointers. Memorial will have a biggest test on Wednesday when the take on Choctaw with the Regional championship on the line.

Top Performers

JV Seat JV Seat 6'3" | SF Edmond Memorial | 2022 State #250 Nation OK , Senior 6’3 Guard, Edmond Memorial

One of the most purposefully players in the state, the Abilene Christian rarely has a wasted motion or ball movement. Each move, from ball fakes, to dribbles, off the ball cutting and especially passing is designed to help his team win. Tonight it was the passing that stood-out as the ball was never stuck when it was in his hands. From making good reads in transition to being a key part of their half court attack, the strong guard helped Edmond Memorial be efficient on offense.

Nate Brown Nate Brown 6'5" | SF Edmond Memorial | 2023 State OK , 6’5 Junior Wing, Edmond Memorial

It was a quiet night overall, but the athletic junior made the play of the night when he went backdoor for an crowd raising alley oop. Brown is bouncy and good for at least highlight reel play each game.

Carter Hjelmstad Carter Hjelmstad 6'5" | SF Edmond Memorial | 2023 State OK , 6’5 Junior Wing, Edmond Memorial

The junior wing got it going early for Memorial, with a smart cut for a score and then nailing an open three. Like many members of the Bulldogs the junior plays very well within in their system as a smart passer, cutter and has a good understanding of half court spacing. Hjelmstad hinted at future ceiling potential when he nearly brought the house down with a two handed dunk on . Right now he’s a strong role player for Memorial, but should team with the aforementioned Brown to give Memorial a big edge in size, athleticism and versatility as seniors.

Isaac Williams, 6’2 Sophomore Guard, Putnam City

The Pirate to find the most success on offense was the quick junior. He was able to use his quickness off the bounce to make it downhill a few times and finish strongly at the rim. Williams even pulled up and hit a couple contested jumpers. While his sophomore season ended tonight, there’s plenty of promise for future success for this member of Oklahoma’s Class of 2024.