LIVE Mustang Holiday Classic Day 1: Top Performers
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It’s a busy week of Holiday basketball throughout Oklahoma. For the next three days I’ll be locked in to the games at the Mustang Holiday Classic, which features a deep field of talented teams from multiple classifications. This post will…
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Continue ReadingIt’s a busy week of Holiday basketball throughout Oklahoma. For the next three days I’ll be locked in to the games at the Mustang Holiday Classic, which features a deep field of talented teams from multiple classifications.
This post will be updated throughout the day with the best performances from each of the four opening round games.
SCORES:
Game 1
CARL ALBERT 55
SOUTHMOORE 51
Game 2
PUTNAM CITY NORTH 68
OWASSO 35
Game 3
BOOKER T WASHINGTON 63
MIDWEST CITY 53
Game 4
MUSTANG 63
POCOLA 37
One of the top athletes in the Class of 2024, Hopkins showed off his high ceiling potential all game long. His biggest moment came in the first half when he got out in transition and punched in one of the best dunks of the high school season. Along with the slam, he was a bully around the rim all game as he finished with a team high 19 points. He scored off physical drives, while also taking advantage off Carl Albert’s efficient half court offense as a cutter at the rim.
Jesse Ledbetter
Jesse Ledbetter
Southmoore was in the game thanks to timely shooting, especially from the junior lead guard. He was impactful throughout with a variety of scoring and finished with a game high 20 points. Ledbetter used a strong core to finish through contact on a couple drives, while leaning on good ballhandling to create space in the midrange. He’s not the most explosive player off the bounce, but plays with good patience and control which often allows to create enough separation to get the job done. Ledbetter finished 2-6 from beyond the arc, including a nice step back three in the game’s final frame.
The senior leader had a quiet start to the game, seeming to pick his spots on offense. He handed out 5 assists, which was a good sign when it comes to the development of England as a playmaker. He also came up big when it mattered the most with a go ahead finish at the rim in the final minute and then shortly after two more free throws to seal the victory for Carl Albert.
One of the top available players in Oklahoma’s senior class, Smith has made a huge leap in his overall game. Always a player that impacted the game as a tough offensive rebounder and flashes as a shooter, he’s become a more complete and consistent scorer with the Panthers this season. He opened the game with a pair of three pointers, showing his improvement as a shooter. He rounded out his 24 points with attacks on the rim. From being able to finish through contact to cleaning up the offensive glass, Smith put on an offensive clinic. The senior wing has the combination of athleticism, motor and skill level to make an impact at the Division One level next season.
Everybody knows Baker is one of the most skilled scorers in Oklahoma. That was backed up when he had an efficient 17 points on only 8 shots this afternoon. What was likely more impressive was the 5 assists he handed out. Baker can excel as a primary scorer at this level thanks to his great shooting, handles, saviness at drawing fouls and off the ball movement. But last season he was a bit of a volume scorer on an inexperienced team that lacked other consistent offensive weapons. Seeing Baker thrive this year as a table setter and floor general for the Panthers is a big checkmark that will help boost his college recruitment.
The sophomore took over in the second half, and seemingly lived around the rim. He found his way to the basket in transition, the half-court and impressively for his size on the glass as well. Harris grabbed 11 boards, with 6 of them coming on the offensive. To go along with the boards, he had 16 points and while also handing out a handful assists and recording steals. Right now at this level his strength and tenacity allow him to take over, but it will be interesting to see how his jumper and playmaking ability continue to improve.
Holdman helped the Hornets out to a quick start with 7 early points, including an impressive transition slam. He plays much bigger than his size thanks to strength and explosiveness. But he can often go too long while being anonymous on the court. The 2023 guard finished with 13 points on only 8 shots, which is good from an efficiency standpoint, but also shows where he has room to grow with more aggression on the offensive end.
Roy Henderson Jr
Roy Henderson Jr
The smooth junior poured in 18 points in a valiant attempt to keep the Bombers in it against the fast paced Hornets. Overall he did a strong job of playing at his own pace and not being sped up against ball pressure. This was most evident in the half-court with the way he seemed to glide by opponents on drives or stop on a dime for a pull up. The junior showed a very promising upside as a complete scorer.
The lanky sophomore continued his hot start to the season, as he shouldered even more of the scoring load with Mustang short handed. It was an impressive display of what’s to come from the skilled guard. He opened with a savvy back door cut, knocked down open threes, and found his way to the rim on drives. Miller even scored on a post up over a smaller guard. He still needs to improve finishing through contact, which should come as he naturally matures. The future is bright, for the sophomore who likely will soon have one of the deepest scoring repertoires in Oklahoma.