Mustang Holiday Classic: Semifinal Standouts
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The first semifinal featured a match up between two of the favorites in their respective classes, Putnam City North (6A) and Carl Albert (5A). The second contest features a win a Class 6A Area type match up between tournament hosts…
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Continue ReadingThe first semifinal featured a match up between two of the favorites in their respective classes, Putnam City North (6A) and Carl Albert (5A). The second contest features a win a Class 6A Area type match up between tournament hosts Mustang and feisty Booker T Washington.
Game 1:
PUTNAM CITY NORTH 63
CARL ALBERT 56
Game 2:
MUSTANG
BOOKER T WASHINGTON
While a lot of talk has focus around North’s two outstanding seniors, Brown is proof of the depth of the Panthers as a Class 6A State Tournament contender. The sophomore is a bit of a quiet assassin on the floor, along with fellow sophomore Anthony Leonard Anthony Leonard 6’2″ | CG Putnam City North | 2025 State OK , he’s a tireless defender. Seemingly always applying tough pressure defense while also racking up deflections. But he’s more than just a glove like defender, Brown played a big part on the offensive end in North closing the door on Carl Albert. He’s a glider with the ball in his hands, he never looks like he’s going that fast. But often has that extra gear to get a step by the defender to get to the rim. Where’s he a tough finisher. Mix in a couple mid range scores on his way to 12 crucial points, with 10 points the coming in the second half.
Kejuan Payne
Kejuan Payne
Along with recording more rim rattling slams and making plays on the defensive end, for the second straight game Payne was a monster in the mid range. It was another efficient performance with 5-7 shooting, either at the rim or smoothly hitting shoots in the 10-18 feet range. With his combination of athleticism, size, defensive tenacity and a little bit of scoring punch, Payne should be a priority for Oklahoma JuCos looking for wing defense and athleticism.
The good news. The second half was the best half of basketball I’ve seen from the hard nosed senior leader for the Titans. England recorded 24 points, with 19 of them coming in the second half. They were hard earned points. Often hitting contested jumpers or muscling his was to the rim in a valiant attempt to rally Carl Albert, who trailed by double digits for much of the game. England even hit a late three that got the deficit down to only 6. He was 4-7 from three on the day.
The bad news. The first half was a struggle for England. Carl Albert’s offense was stuck in the mud in the first half, only scoring 16 points as a team. England looked uncomfortable against Putnam City North’s quick guards. In a big game against a State Championship caliber team, it would’ve been better to see a strong straight from the Titans’ leader. But it was great to see the second half response. And hopefully the slow start was a lesson for the senior to propel him forward as the Titans challenge for a State Title in Class 5A.
The junior forward had his hard hat on with 12 rebounds in the game. With an impressive 6 coming on the offensive end against a strong and physical North team. Mott is blessed with a strong frame and huge wingspan, and it was good to see him put that to use with high motor play around the rim. He also added 8 points to his rebounding total. On the room for improvement front, Mott needs to play through contact better as a finisher. When he has a clear lane, it’s an auto dunk. But he has had some struggles with contested looks. Along with needing to be stronger and more fundamental with his footwork to limit turnovers.
Highlights
Johnson is signed to play football for the University of Oklahoma next fall. Till March, he’ll be one of the better scorers in Oklahoma. After missing last night due to an illness, he showed no ill effects of yesterday’s sickness. He came out on fire in the mid-range and beyond the arc. Scoring a quick 12 points. Even showing off great handles on drives. On the night, Johnson had 17 points.
After a slow start, Holdman finished with a fury. He ignited his team in the final frame with an impressive dunk through contact in the halfcourt. This play also sparked aggression in him, as he attacked on the offensive end with new intensity. The power guard also had a nifty stepback jumper in the second half. His strength was evident on the defensive end with the physicality he brought when covering Johnson. Holdman had 12 of his 15 points in the second half.