Friday’s Finest: January 5th

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Basketball season is in full swing with Day 2 of in season tournament action. Check out a first hand recap of the day at the McGuinness Classic and a wraparound look at standout performances from across Oklahoma. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Choctaw 64</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Santa Fe 49</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1367216"],"_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":"One of the most enjoyable aspects about watching a player over a few years is getting to see the evolution in their playing style. At this same tournament as a sophomore, Valentine delievered a barrage of three pointers in a consolation bracket contest.  At the time he was an explosive scorer, who put up big time points in spurts and when he wasn't scoring it did feel like he would float a bit.rnrnNow as a senior, he's still hitting tough shots off the dribble but he's also pulling the strings for a high powered Choctaw offense that ran away with a semifinals victory. His decision making and vision were on point as he pushed it in transition, dropped off great dimes with pocket passes and hit open shooters (it was often his younger brother Jordan). He even put an exclamation on the game with a big time block on the defensive end.  It was a complete game for Valentine and a great reminder of how far he's come as a prospect as the now leader for one of the top contenders in Class 6A.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65996b96b2660"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>Deer Creek 44</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Edmond Memorial 47</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2223695"],"_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":"One of the toughest tests for younger guards is playing against teams with different styles, especially a fast paced squad when they're used to playing a slower tempo. Franz passed the test with flying colors as he quarterbacked a come from behind victory in the fourth quarter to send his Bulldogs to the finals of the Edmond Open. He was often picked up 94 feet and he was never flustered or looked tired. It was particular impressive how quick and controlled his spin moves and other counters were to gain separation to bring the ball up the court and get Edmond Memorial into their sets.  He scored big buckets throughout, hitting the occasional three and even scored a huge go ahead score in the closing moments off one of Memorial's seemingly trademark halfcourt actions. The sophomore also matched his opponents disruptive energy on the defensive end, as he mixed a combination of moving his feet fundamentals and opportunistic quick hands.rnrnFranz and his teammates have another big test on Saturday night, but with the sophomore playing with poise beyond his young years they'll have a chance to gain momentum going into the second half of district play.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65996b96b26cd"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quick Hitters </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Norman powered through Casady with a 74-40 win. They ran away with the contest in the first half in large part through their size and athleticism advantage, with junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1796294' first='BJ' last='Randle'] providing a lot of the attacking emphasis around the basket. He's a physical finisher, who after getting it going around the rim even stepped out and hit from distance. Another junior, [player_tooltip player_id='2024092' first='Isaiah' last='Amous'] helped Norman establish their dominance around the rim as well, both were quick to double figures in the big win for the physical Tiger squad. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Del City was able to take down tournament hosts Bishop McGuinness with a 59-48 victory. A huge reason for that win was a 22 point explosion from junior [player_tooltip player_id='2273092' first='Jaden' last='Johnson']. The Eagles are a scrappy and defensive first team this year, but the junior guard caught fire from distance hitting at least five three pointers. During scrimmages in November, Johnson looked like a typical Eagle guard, with a defensive based game. If this game was a sign of things to become and he develops into a consistent shooter that would be huge for Del City's ceiling this season and the guard's longterm future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Performers from around the State</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1475988"],"_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":"In one of the most dramatic games of the day, Bethany would survive a 5 overtime thriller against fellow 4A program Stillwell. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1475988' first='Aiden' last='Todd'] is one of the craftiest scorers in the state, and he scored 25 points in the Bronchos' victory. But this time he likely earned a merit for toughness, as Stillwell is known as a physical and tough program. To add to the toughness theme, Todd poured in his points after missing a game earlier this week. It doesn't get easier for Bethany, as they take on 5A program Sapulpa in the finals on Saturday night.  But the victory over a fellow 4A program like Stillwell makes the trip to Tulsa very fruitful, as that's the type of contest that the Bronchos will have to win if they want to make their first Class 4A State Tournament appearance since 2020.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1552333"],"_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 Royals took down one of the members of royalty of recent small town basketball in Oklahoma with a 52-43 win over defending Class A champions Fort Cobb Broxton.  While it was a balanced attack that won the day for Community Christian, sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1552333' first='Destin' last='Edwards'] shined very bright. The cerebral point guard had a full stat line with 13 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals.  Tomorrow, they'll have a chance to win the tournament with a contest at 7:20.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1393777"],"_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":"After quietly starting 4-0 before Christmas break, it appears the Commandos are ready to make noise. Silky smooth junior scoring guard Kim scored 21 points in a 78-71 over Class 4A Catoosa in Skiatook.  While they have an exciting freshman group, including [player_tooltip player_id='2140733' first='Dallas' last='Lowe'] who also scored 21 points, Kim was the go to man for Cascia last year and will continue to be counted on for big buckets. He'll have the opportunity to do that in a huge Saturday night contest against fellow 918 based 3A program, Victory Christian.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='2332972' first='Caleb' last='Hawkins']","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"North Rock Creek","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_3_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"In a battle of undefeated Class 4A programs, North Rock Creek would outlast Madill in a defensive slugfest. Hawkins is a returning contributor from last year's Class 4A State Tournament and also a star on the football field. He scored 12 points in the 47-43 victory.  When watching the junior at the State Tournament last March, he was a physical and explosive finisher around the basket. Along with his scoring contributions, he likely played a key role in the Panthers' stingy defense against a bigger Madill squad.  North Rock Creek will look to keep their perfect season going on Saturday in the finals of the Konawa tournament, against Destiny Christian.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1391433"],"_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":"Oklahoma's top junior prospect scored 25 points and punched his team's ticket to the finals of the PCI in a close win over a big Union squad. This marks back to back wins over Class 6A squads for the 5A Bombers, with a match up against another 6A team, Norman North to close out the tournament. With the athletic and skilled scorer at the helm, Midwest City seems to be heating up and positioning themselves as one of the teams to beat in Class 5A.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65996b96b2852"} /-->