THE STARS: Edmond Open and Boomarang Classic Title Game

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With in season tournament champions being crowned all over the state, the staggered start times of events allowed the chance to check out two different big match ups. First a matinee viewing of Edmond Memorial hosting Union. Then a night cap with Dale hosting Oklahoma Christian School.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the afternoon contest, Union finished the first quarter on a run and didn't look back in taking down Edmond Memorial. There was almost some late game heroics from the Bulldogs, but the Riverhawks never lost their nerve and held on for the victory. [player_tooltip player_id='1343197' first='Dalen' last='Fuller'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1655627' first='Miles' last='Flemons'] would earn "Super 5" honors for the tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Redhawks are now 5-0 on the year with a huge district battle on Tuesday. They'll travel north up 169 to meet Owasso in a match up of two teams very familiar with each other. Edmond Memorial has a Tuesday tuneup at home vs US Grant before going west on 15th street for an "Edlam" match up on Friday vs Edmond Santa Fe.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dale has become the epicenter for small town basketball in Oklahoma, and they did not disappoint when hosting Class 3A contender Oklahoma Christian School on Saturday night. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It looked like business for usual when [player_tooltip player_id='1367217' first='Dayton' last='Forsythe'] poured in a quick 8 points. But OCS kept roaring back in the first frame thanks to senior duo [player_tooltip player_id='1367214' first='Luke' last='Gray'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1482836' first='Carson' last='Jones']. The teams traded the lead a few times in the first half, with a three from Gray putting OCS ahead with a minute left in the first half. But Forsythe responded with five straight to close out the second quarter, and Dale was ahead 31-28 at the break. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Midway through the third quarter, Jones would hit a triple to tie it up. A moment later a collision in the paint left Forsythe on the floor shaken up. He would check out, and it was fair to wonder if momentum might be swinging in favor of the visiting Saints? That feeling would last for a minute. Maybe less. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The younger Forsythe brother would grab an offensive rebound, get fouled and hit one free throw to break the deadlock. The elder Forsythe then checked back in, but it wasn't he who broke the game open. It would be the Pirate's junior class. [player_tooltip player_id='2271123' first='Easton' last='Edmondson'] soon drained a triple to extend the lead. [player_tooltip player_id='1579599' first='Levi' last='Kelly'] would follow suit with a three of his own. Then, Kelly and [player_tooltip player_id='1579596' first='Trayden' last='Chambers'] would combine to force a turnover with Chambers firing it ahead to Jett Higdon for an easy score. Within a blink of the eye, the Pirates lead was double figures. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With all hands on deck, Dale would control the final frame and win 64-51 to claim the Boomarang Classic title. Dale will look to continue their winning ways with a trip north to Luther on Tuesday. While OCS plays at Christian Heritage Academy on Monday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1343197"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The electric senior of course had a pair of exciting dunks that few players in Oklahoma could replicate. But that was the only the start of a great performance for Fuller. He's long been an volatile player, with exciting highs and confusing lows. Today was one of his most steady and impactful performances. He was unselfish as a passer, making willing feeds to his talented post players.  Whenever he got an open lane in the halfcourt, Fuller was a blur to the rim. Wasting no time to attack, but he also showed more patience with the ball and picked smarter shots when he was covered or even got off the ball and kept the offense flowing. There were a couple times he took a heatcheck jumper or two, but overall it was better at getting downhill first and create space to shoot more in the 10-15 range instead of jacking quick three pointers.rnrnThere were a couple fourth quarter instances that captured the growth in Fuller's approach. In the past, there have been times when Fuller's decision making particular in transition has been an adventure. Because his approach has been to go for the biggest highlight reel play. Twice he pushed after getting passes following defensive rebounds. Both times instead of trying to put an opponent through the rim or making a crazy pass, he had controlled moves to either draw the foul to go along with the score or avoid the contact all together. Making the simple play and playing under more control will add up even quicker than his rim rattling slams.rnrnIf this mindset on Saturday is a sign of improvement for Fuller, he could be an absolute steal at the next level because his athleticism has always been Division One.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1367217"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"The Sooner signee had 28 points. He's lethal off the dribble, lulling defenders to sleep to drain deep threes or mid-range shots over them. Or he simply goes by them, as he's also a master at drawing fouls and playing through contact. Throw in some great passing and he consistently makes basketball look easy.rnrnForsyth even closed out the game, by breaking the press and throwing it down for an exclamation point. It's another complete performance for the state's top senior prospect. And another chapter in the growing small town legend that is Forsythe and his crew of winning Pirates.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1367214"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"The big man battled against a consistent wave of Pirates. His physicality and verticality allowed him to collect a few impressive blocks on the defensive end and he was active on the glass on both ends of the floor.  Gray also connected on a couple from deep, a common occurrence for the skilled big man. There were a few times, that if he was quicker into his shooting motion he might've been able to get a few more shots off. It's something to keep an eye on as Gray heads to the next level, as he's a great shooter for a stretch four prospect. But he'll need to continue to work on fire quickerand with confidence at the next level where daylight is tougher to come by.rnrnGray is one of the top unsigned prospects in Oklahoma, but perhaps a college decision is looming? Earlier in the day he attended the Edmond Memorial-Union game and was wearing a Cal-Poly hoodie. A school that offered him this past spring. Or maybe it was just a cold day, and the hoodie was the first clean and comfy one he grabbed out of his closest?","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["2223695"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"The sophomore plays with an awareness beyond his years, seemingly always finding a way to make a play on both ends. He's often in the right place, right time for steals and even blocked a shot on similar principles. Offensively he drives to create, with a wide array of passes to put his teammates in great positions to have efficient looks. On the day, he picked his spots as a scorer, with a soft and crafty touch around the rim, extending out to the mid-range.rnrnFranz is the type of guard who is a great representative of his high school program's identity. In this case, it's a steady grinder, who makes more plays than expected and rarely makes a mistake.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1655627"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Flemons picked up all tournament honors for a productive three days in Edmond. It's easy to see why, as he's one of the top sophomores in the state. With a physical and bruising playing style, that is perfectly complimented by a soft touch.  He already has a good understanding in ball screens as a roller, and has a good high-low game with fellow Union post player Mardid. He got up for one slam when given an opening lane, a promising sign. The youngster will need to continue to work on his verticality for the next level but the foundation just like his play is strong.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1444135"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"The junior continues to shine as a connector between the two identities  that exists for Union. In the halfcourt he does a stellar job of involving their post players and is continuing to develop in the pick and roll, especially with Flemons. Or simply playing off them by being in constant motion after passing the ball.rnrnOn the flip side, when Union also able to get it and go, Gunn pushed the tempo with great vision and purpose. For a smaller guard, he has a great finishing package, understanding how to use the rim to shield the ball from shot blockers while also elevating quickly and finishing strong.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1482836"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"The lanky senior guard was locked in from distance as he poured in 22 points, most of them coming off three pointers. He has the wiggle to get separation to pull up off the dribble but also looks great catching and firing.  Jones had no back down to his game and it looked like ice was running his veins with no concerns for the big moment that was this game.rnrnThe Saints are favorites to make the Big House in Class 3A. If Jones has similar performances there that he did tonight in Dale, they'll have a strong chance to play for the Gold Ball on March 9th.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["1672779"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Three pointers and dogged defending seems to be Forsythe's role for the upperclassmen laden Pirate team, and he's leaving his mark. When left open on the night he was automatic. He's one of the many Pirates consistently applying ball pressure, while also playing bigger around the rim. Then to help seal the victory in the fourth victory, he picked his man's pocket, raced to the rim and had a big time transition finish in traffic.  Bigger days are likely coming for the sophomore, but for now he's starring in his role as part of the well oiled machine that is Dale basketball.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":8,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","fullHeight":true,"anchor":"acf-block-65751e78bcfaa"} /-->