Championship Scouting: Westmoore vs Norman
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It’s been a few years since Westmoore and even longer for Norman that either program have made it the Class 6A State Tournament. With both teams featuring talented senior classes and sporting top current top 10 in Class 6A rankings,…
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Continue ReadingIt’s been a few years since Westmoore and even longer for Norman that either program have made it the Class 6A State Tournament. With both teams featuring talented senior classes and sporting top current top 10 in Class 6A rankings, this shaped up to be a match up that could have much large ramifications later on.
In the first frame, it was shooting and ball movement that led to the Jaguars taking an early edge. In the middle frames, Norman’s size around the rim changed the game and they took a small advantage into the fourth. Then it was once again clutch shot making, especially from Evan Barber Evan Barber 6'1" | CG Westmoore | 2023 State OK that put the Jaguars on top to claim the PCI crown.
A complete game with a championship was a fitting end to a complete week for Barber. After torching the nets in the opener, he displayed the totality of his offensive arsenal in the following victories. With the improved Westmoore offense, there’s more opportunities for him to show off his smart off the ball movement. He eagerly hunts for spot up three pointers, or can get to the rim on cuts when the defense overplays him. There’s aspects to Barber’s game that are best when he’s on the ball. But with guard positions becoming more interchangeable, it’s great to see the growth in the UCO’s signee scoring arsenal.
One more sign that he’s college ready? Twice in the second half, he received open looks off his teammate’s grabbing offensive rebounds. Barber drilled them both. The open three pointer after an offensive rebound is becoming a back breaking staple of modern basketball. And chances are if Barber is the one open, the shot is going in.
Highlights
Marquis Combs Pierce
Marquis Combs Pierce
It was a great three day stretch for the traditional center prospect. Along with carving out space for rebounds and easy scores, he showed the ability to pass out of doubles. And provide rim protection with nimble movement when required to slide over to block shots. The college basketball landscape has changed, with less traditional back to basketball five, but for the right program that wants a “throwback” center prospect, this Norman Tiger could be a priority.
After missing time due to injury, the talented junior returned in Friday’s win and also played a key role in the title game for Norman. In the two games, he flashed the tantalizing upside that gives the long armed wing prospect D1 potential. One sequence stood-out in the second half against Westmoore, where he drained a catch and shoot three, then on the following defensive possession came weak side and rejected a drive. When decisive on drives, he showed even more promise as he can hit in the midrange with pull ups, or use his size and good footwork to find ways to score around the rim. There were other times he could stay on the ball for too long. Becoming a defensive dynamo and decisive attacker on offense would boost his college potential and raise the ceiling for Norman.
The emergence of the junior as a creator and table setter for the Jaguars has elevated their offense. He has great floor vision, and is a key component of their halfcourt offense. Many times in the title game, he hit cutting teammates with picture perfect passes for easy assists. Loper’s shooting, and growing ability to score off the bounce is starting to give Westmoore a reliable third offensive leader next to seniors Barber and Hays.