ToC Day 3 Top Performers
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Closing out the Tournament of Champions with coverage from all four games throughout the day at the BOK Center. Which features a potential Class 4A State Tournament preview in Weatherford vs Hale. A rematch from last year’s semifinals, Dale vs…
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Continue ReadingClosing out the Tournament of Champions with coverage from all four games throughout the day at the BOK Center. Which features a potential Class 4A State Tournament preview in Weatherford vs Hale. A rematch from last year’s semifinals, Dale vs Crossings Christian. And the title game, a Class 6A State Championship game level match up with Edmond North vs Owasso.
Also if you’re reading this and want an individual highlight tape of a player from the tournament, message @OKHoopsReport on X (Twitter) or email SamDuren@gmail.com for a special low priced three game highlight package.
8:30 PM
Owasso 46
Edmond North 58
In some ways you can copy and paste the reports from the two previous days for Mr Fundamental. Bruising scorers around the rim. Knocking down a jumper to keep the defense honest. Oh, and converting at the line, he helped salt the game away in the fourth as he went 13-16 from the charity stripe on his way to 22 points. Warlick’s steady free throw shooting continues to be a sign that he’s just scratching the surface of his ability as a shooter.
Along with his points and rebounding production, he continues to be an even better source of creation. He handed out 5 assists, with his usual chemistry when passing out of the high post. Along with passing out of doubles and better passing off the dribble.
It’s not breaking news that Dylan Warlick Dylan Warlick 6’6″ | SF Edmond North | 2024 State #226 Nation OK is good, but it’s worth reminding that he’s currently putting together one of the best resumes of the last few years.
Highlights
Tramble got into double figures with 13 points, but his impact went beyond just his scoring. He was part of a two headed guard duo that really set the tone on the defensive end, using strength and experience to disrupt one of the best scorers in Oklahoma. One of the best offensive traits that has long been true about the lead guard is his ability to play fast but in control. He has a knack for pushing it off long rebounds or even makes, and while he’s not quick he always finds that extra step to pressure the defense to create for his teammates or slip to the rim.
The second part of the the two headed defensive monster in the North backcourt. Ridge is a combative battler on the defensive end. And ever since the last half of his sophomore year when North made their first Class 6A State Tournament run always seems to step up in the moment for a big score or two. Tonight it was more on the defensive side of the ball, but he shined in his role as a key defensive cog for the Huskies all tournament long.
Highlights
Owasso is one of the few teams with the size to match and can actually give the Huskies trouble in the paint. Which is where North’s outstanding depth comes into play and Ross excelled in his role as a space eater. The senior only had 5 points and 4 rebounds, but seemingly every stat he collected came during a stretch the second half when North was bleeding fouls and there were opportunities for Owasso to get back into the game. His physical presence stopped the bleeding and allowed them to maintain their edge around the paint and on the scoreboard.
5:30 PM
Crossings Christian 40
Dale 50
Forsythe closed out his two year run at the Tournament of Champions with a three point shooting show in the first quarter. After that explosive scoring start, he was a bit quieter offensively but continued to manage the game. As he seemed to reserve a lot of his energy for defense where he was needed to rebound against a big Crossings frontline. He’s an outstanding contested rebounder for a guard at the high school level, often grabbing and securing big boy rebounds. Forsythe finished with another double-double, 19 points and 11 rebounds. And left a lasting two year impression on the prestigious Tournament of Champions.
After a few quiet days, the junior sharpshooter was locked in to close out the event. He was particular adept from the corners, where he made the defense pay for giving him any space to shoot. Kelly went 3-6 from beyond the arc, and 5-5 at the charity stripe. When hitting from distance, he provides a crucial extra dimension to their deep squad.
1:30 PM
Hale 36
Weatherford 59
The senior had been a steady interior presence for the Eagles for the first two days of the tournament. When Hale decided to play off of him to start the contest, he made them play with a pair of early triples. He would go on to score 17 points on only 9 shots for the day, including another three in the second half.
Along with his versatile offensive exploits, he was a key part of the Weatherford defense that suffocated Hale and one of the top scorers in the state. While the Eagles played their trademark zone for much of the contest, there were occasions they went man and Reherman matched up with Lewis, a smaller, quicker guard. But he did not look out of place chasing him around screens or covering him in isolation. It was impressive the agility and defensive principles of moving his feet and defensive awareness.
Nickson only needed 11 shots to score 20 points. He produced in a variety of ways, patient drives and playing off two feet, and rim rattling slams. His unique mix of power and skill is nearly unstoppable in Oklahoma, just check out the highlights.
2025 Weatherford wing @NicksonCj was cleared for take off at the BOK Center. One of #okpreps top overall athletes showed off his complete skillset with 20 points in a big afternoon win. pic.twitter.com/JOL4GCbFoP
— OKHoopsVideo (@OKHoopsReport) December 29, 2023
10:30 AM
Okay 47
Metro Christian 69
The senior center closed out the tournament with back to back double double performances. He was simply too much for the smaller Mustangs around the basket as he grabbed 15 rebounds, scored 19 points and rejected 4 shots. Moses is a throwback center prospect who has made strong strides over this year. His movements around the basket are now quicker and stronger, with him understanding a key but sometimes forgotten concept. Keeping the ball high. It’s improved his efficiency on the offensive end, while he works hard as a rebounder and contesting shots on the defensive end. Continuing to improve his foot speed is an area of improvement, but Moses plays hard and is a productive anchor for the Patriots.
Over the last two days Powell has bounced back from his Wednesday performance with full stat lines. This time it came with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. The senior did his work inside with physical drives, transition scoring and more off the bounce.
Highlights
Henry Thompson
Henry Thompson
The senior sharpshooter closed out the tournament the same way he started it, on fire from beyond the arc. When the Patriots started to separate in the first half, it was Thompson nailing threes to help really extend the lead. He hit three triples in the contest, and even got in on the creation action with 4 dimes. While Metro’s core is a mixture of athleticism and size, the senior guard provides important floor spacing qualities that are integral to his squad’s success.