Friday’s Finest: Tourney SZN
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It was a busy night of hoops across Oklahoma, here’s a look at some of the top performers from across the state. FEELING ROYAL Community Christian took care of business to advance to the championship of the 4th Annual Community…
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Continue ReadingIt was a busy night of hoops across Oklahoma, here’s a look at some of the top performers from across the state.
FEELING ROYAL
Community Christian took care of business to advance to the championship of the 4th Annual Community Christian Classic. It was expected to be a close game between two OKC private schools with quality guard play and shotmakers on both sides. For the first frame, it was. But in the second quarter, the Royals’ hot shooting turned it up a further notch. Seniors Colin Bond and Noah Robinson both poured it on from distance, as the duo seemingly sucked the energy out of Casady. Their efforts would help lead to a 41-19 victory.
The Royals would handle the second half and a final score of 71-49 would advance them to the finals. They’re now 5-0 on the young season, and make for an interesting team in a Class 4A landscape that has a wide open feel compared to recent seasons. Fellow senior Boxy Wallace Boxy Wallace 6'3" | PG Community Christian | 2024 State OK remains an impressive looking athlete, who looks to have improved his floor vision, as he was a key part in the quality looks his teammates got from deep. When pairing the seniors with controlled sophomore Destin Edwards Destin Edwards 5'9" | PG Community Christian | 2026 State OK from the point guard spot, the Royals suddenly have multiple ways to beat teams.
Community Christian will now take on Guthrie. The Bluejays won the other semifinal game over Anadarko by the score of 80-60. Their quality backcourt was paced by Tyrone Beaty’s 21 points and will provide a stern challenge for the surging Royals squad.
The junior forward remains a man on a mission for the Chargers. This time it was dominating the glass against Northwest Classen. Cotton pulled down 19 rebounds in the 53-46 win for Memorial. Along with that big time rebounding performance, he scored 14 points. Another big challenge awaits Memorial tonight, as Cotton and his athletic teammates. The will battle another team with great guard play, Lawton for the tournament crown in the 580.
One of the better lead guards in Oklahoma’s junior class helped Bronchos to the finals of the CHA tournament. It was a proper point guard line for Todd, as along with the 22 points he recorded 7 assists. He wasn’t the only junior standout for Bethany either, as Wyatt Geissler Wyatt Geissler 5’10” | CG Bethany | 2025 State OK hit 8 three pointers for 32 points. The junior duo will look to keep it rolling in the tournament finals against a Crooked Oak squad that has quality guard play as well.
The preseason favorites in 4A continue to run away with games to start the year. Last night they drilled Kingfisher 67-19, with the junior wing stepping up for 30 points. The Eagles will take on Life Prep Academy in Kansas for the tournament title in Woodward. At the end of the month a Class 4A semifinals rematch against Crossings Christian looms to start off the Tournament of Champions.
Highlights
Edmond Memorial continues to grind out win with the gritty sophomore guard Franz at the helm. He had a productive 15 point outing in their win over Midwest City, including hitting a pair of clutch free throws in the final minute to ice away the game. Now they’re get an early look at district foe Union in the finals of the Edmond Open.
With Norman replacing four starters from a state tournament team, Amous was one of the players expected to step up for the Tigers. The blue collar junior forward delievered on Friday night as he was part of a balanced Tiger attack in a win over Putnam City North. His 13 points helped the Tigers earn a Crosstown Clash match up against rivals Norman North for the championship of the Joe Lawson Memorial.
Hezekiah Green
Hezekiah Green
It’s been a strong week for the junior who’s coming off a preseason injury. On Thursday, Green scored 15 points against Westmoore in a victory. Then followed it up with another double digit performance with 12 points against a stingy Del City squad. He’ll try to keep it rolling in the finals of the Joe Lawson Memorial, against crosstown rivals, Norman.
Goodwin already had one big game this week on the road against Southmoore. On Friday, the sophomore and his Trojan teammates bounced back in a big way from a Thursday loss. Goodwin set two school records, with 44 points and 10 three-pointers. The Trojans would win 87-45 over McAlester. They’ll take on Rogers for the consolation championship on Saturday in Tahlequah.
Highlights
Owasso went on the road to play in a loaded Hoopin on the Hill field in Fayetteville. They would come up just short in the semifinals against tournament hosts Fayvetteville. The Rams were down by double digits in the middle of the third, but roared back to make it competitive down the stretch.
The junior had a team high 22 points for the Rams. When catching some of the stream on youtube, Owasso emphasized post touches for Kerr and his teammate Montonati. It was good to see Kerr embrace the physicality of the big game and battle more around the basket.
After a tough loss to open the week McLemore and his teammates have bounced back with back to back wins in Cleveland. On Thursday it was a 20 point performance from the senior wing that powered them to a 58-49 win over Webster. Then last night, the skilled senior went off for 30 points in a 75-59 victory over Santa Fe South. It was the first time, and likely not the last time, McLemore broke the 30 point mark on the year.
In the finals of the tournament, the Eagles will get a chance to avenge their earlier in the week loss to Metro Christian.
Lawton overcome rivals Lawton MacArthur to reach the finals of the Great Plains Invitational. Junior wing Deans has continued his strong start to his season with a team high 21 points in the win over the Highlanders. The high motor wing has always been an impactful player, but has started to take his game to the next level over the last few months with an improved perimeter skillset.
The Wolverines will take on Tulsa Memorial tonight. Lawton will be looking to capture the Great Plains title for the second straight season.
Highlights
It’s been a huge week for the tough forward prospect, he’s led the Patriots in scoring in all three contests. On Thursday, he recorded a 20 point, 10 rebound double double. Then followed it up last night with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Sowards forms a “bruise brothers” type combo with fellow senior Wyatt Powell Wyatt Powell 6’3″ | SG Metro Christian | 2024 State OK , as two strong and athletic seniors that will often give the Patriors an edge aorund the rim. Although both have more to their game than just physicality.
Sowards and his Metro Christian teammates will look for their second win over Mingo Valley Christian on the week in the championship of the Cleveland Invitational tonight. It would be a strong start to a big December, as they play 3A rivals Victory Christian on Tuesday. Then take part in the loaded Tournament of Champions field at the end of the month.