Class 2A Quarterfinals Top Performers
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State Tournament Week volume 2, tipped off bright and early at 9 AM on Tuesday. with Class 2A Who were the standouts from these four quarterfinals games? I’m glad you ask. Here’s a look at the players who shined under…
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Continue ReadingState Tournament Week volume 2, tipped off bright and early at 9 AM on Tuesday. with Class 2A Who were the standouts from these four quarterfinals games? I’m glad you ask. Here’s a look at the players who shined under the bright lights of the Big House
Keyton Smith
Keyton Smith
The most productive player of the day, Smith and the Pirates got off to a fast start. With his interior scoring helping Preston build a double digit first quarter lead. By half, he already had a double double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. When Hobart narrow the lead going into the half, Preston started the second half by going right back in inside to Smith. He established himself as an effective finisher around the rim with a variety of pump fakes and athletic finishes on his way to 22 points and 10 rebounds.
The shifty floor general for Preston did a good job of running the show and picking his spots. He valued the ball with no turnovers committed, and while he looked to push it, he rarely looked out of control. It was good to see the explosive guard in this environment running the show as a contrast to some of the free flowing viewings from grassroots seasons
Gore did finish with 15 points, including 3-5 from beyond the arc. With two of the threes being huge daggers in the third quarter. Gore’s combination of handle and quickness hinted at the potential for flashy plays to come in future games this week.
Carson Thomas
Carson Thomas
The senior came out guns blazing in the first frame, hitting big shot after big shot. He had 16 points at the break, with 12 of them coming from three-pointers. In the second half he proved he was more than just a spot up threat. He had a couple nifty drives to the rim, finishing with a team high 22 points in their 63-56 victory.
In only 14 minutes of action, Forsythe stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Which is a sign that if Dale is pushed this week, he might indeed add a “Triple Double at the Big House” to his ever growing resume. On the recruiting front, Indiana State head coach Josh Schertz was courtside keeping tabs on Forsythe.
Kelly drained a pair of first quarter triples that really got the ball rolling in Dale’s blowout victory. Impressively along with his shooting ability, he had unselfish play and good vision as he racked up 5 quick assists as part of the Pirates’ “free flowing, share the ball” offense.
Jett Higdon
Jett Higdon
The strong sophomore stepped in off the bench and showed there’s no letdown at any point in Dale’s top 7 players. Similar to Jones and Chambers, he’s a very effective finisher around the rim, with great touch. He also caught the eye with some quick hands and thinking on defense and in transition. For many other programs in Class 2A, Higdon would be a starter, showing just how abundant the talent and skill level is at Dale.
The big man for Pocola was a big reason why the Indians built a steady first half lead. He had 12 points in the first half, but tapered off in the second half. Finishing with only 14 points. 14 points and 8 rebound is a solid outing for a sophomore. But after a promising first half where he had flashes of imposing his will inside, the second half was a bit disappointing.
As with every viewing of Terrell since last June at Oral Roberts team camp; the upside oozes off him. He’s agile, adding strength to his frame and almost always has a soft touch finish that screams upside. Still relative to being a prospect with Division One upside (which is there) he’s still more potential than production. The next 6 months will be crucial for Terrell to start to turn more of his potential into production.
Highlights
Jael Torres
Jael Torres
The junior shook off a slow start, to become the offensive hub for the Eagles in the second half. During their second half rally, Torres scored 15 of his 19 points on the day. Many of them come on great, contested finishes through traffic. The crafty and physical big proved that he can use his strength and angles to finish against bigger foes.
Kolton Jones
Kolton Jones
The senior left it all on the court with a very impressive 5 of 9 performance from beyond the arc. When the Hornets did briefly regain the lead in the third quarter, it came via one of his makes from the arc. A third quarter ankle injury had Jones come up briefly hurt, but he pressed onward with a team high 19 points.
Justice Johnson Justice Johnson 6'3" | CG Hobart | 2024 State OK
Justice Johnson Justice Johnson 6'3" | CG Hobart | 2024 State OK
A rangy junior, Johnson had good moments as a driver and good finisher against the physical Pirates. He struggled to connect from deep, which to continue to improve as a high school scorer and as a potential college prospect his shooting form will need to speed up. Still the combo of size and movements marks the southwestern Oklahoma hooper as a player to keep tabs on.