The Match Up: Team Griffin vs Drive Nation E16 Elite 8
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In April, these two programs from neighboring states matched up in Phoenix. A close fought victory by Team Griffin helped them start a run that weekend to a Platinum Bracket championship, punching their ticket to North Augusta. Now in North…
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Continue ReadingIn April, these two programs from neighboring states matched up in Phoenix. A close fought victory by Team Griffin helped them start a run that weekend to a Platinum Bracket championship, punching their ticket to North Augusta. Now in North Augusta, South Carolina the programs squared off again in the Elite Eight of Nike’s E16 Championship.
At one point, Drive Nation looked destined to pull around. But the swarming defensing and high quality shooting of Team Griffin sparked a second half rally, that saw Team Griffin come out on top once again. The Oklahoma squad is loaded with shooters, as they once again hit double figure makes from beyond the arc, with a blistering 14-29 performance.
Here’s a look at some key performers from both squads.
Nickson did it all for Griffin, as the wing continued to be a grown man in the post. While also excelling from the perimeter. After his poor shot selection to open the week, Nickson had been money in the mid-range and taken good looks from three. He connected on 2 huge ones from distance in this exciting win. Along with the jumpers, he had a monstrous “head tap” dunk, proving why he’s one of the best pure athletes that Oklahoma has produced in the last decade.
Even though he has a deep list of football offers, the Weatherford Eagle’s first love in basketball. This week in North Augusta is sure to cause his recruitment on the hardwood to take flight.
A relentless driver and creator, Lowery had a game high 15 points and handed out 4 assists. He has a quick first step, and continually put pressure on the rim, where he’s a crafty finisher. When his first step led to defenders playing off, he looked comfortable draining mid-range pull ups. Along with good vision when driving and kicking, he was able to rifle quick passes inside to teammates and in transition.
Highlights
The Arkansas guard is an electrifying talent, with wiggle, burst and surprising strength for a player of his build. Muldrow is a dogged defender, and is explosive when getting downhill. There have been times this week, where he has looked unguardable, as he’s too shifty and slippery for defenders. On the counter side, he can fall in love with his handle, and dance a little too much when settling for jumpers. But he has hit his fair share of deep or contested looks making him a “no, no, yes!!” type shooter for coaches. In the win today, he had a full line of 12 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
The floor general continued his outstanding week for Griffin. He continued to supply his teammates with quality looks with 7 assists, as on drives he’s always looking to make the right play. What’s also been impressive has been his improved confidence as a scorer. Furnish has been lights out from three this week. If team’s don’t aggressively trap or hedge on ball screens, he’s been pulling confidently. Often from a step of two from beyond the three point line. He’s also has a knack for hitting timely big threes in the second half when pushing it in transition. The Crossings Knight’s deep range is allowing him to not only survive in the land of giants in South Carolina, but thrive.
A physical guard, who plays with swagger, Kelly plays much bigger than his height. He gets his nose dirty on the defensive end with steals and overall intensity. And even popped up with some tough offensive rebounds. When Drive Nation had it rolling in the first half, Kelly hit a couple huge threes, including one smooth stepback. The Dynamic Prep guard secured a game high 11 rebounds, on his way to a 11 and 11 double double.
Jaylon Dean-Vines Jaylon Dean-Vines 6'4" | SG Dallas Kimball | 2025 State #231 Nation TX
Jaylon Dean-Vines Jaylon Dean-Vines 6'4" | SG Dallas Kimball | 2025 State #231 Nation TX
Non stop energy, Dean-Vines makes huge plays all over the court. For a 6 foot 4 guard, it’s surprising how often he’s playing above the rim. From coming weakside to help contest shots, showing great recovery speed to chase down ball handlers who thought they had him beat, crashing the offensive glass; Dean-Vines is always covering a ridiculous amount of ground on the court. Along with the infectious defensive energy, the Dallas guard scored a team high 15 points for Team Griffin, going 3-5 from long distance.