Class 3A Quarterfinals: the Prospects to KNOW
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Tuesday afternoon and evening brought a jampacked slate of games to big stage of the State Fairgrounds for Class 3A programs. Games Final Mount Saint Mary 50 Millwood 61 6:00 PM Idabel 50 Victory Christian 55 7:30 PM OCS 75…
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Continue ReadingTuesday afternoon and evening brought a jampacked slate of games to big stage of the State Fairgrounds for Class 3A programs.
Games
Final
Mount Saint Mary 50
Millwood 61
6:00 PM
Idabel 50
Victory Christian 55
7:30 PM
OCS 75
Kellyville 51
9:00 PM
Cascia Hall 58
Metro Christian 55
The sophomore continues to shine with increased responsibility for the Falcons. He remains an athletic and aggressive defender, his long arms and closeout skills makes life difficult for opposing guards to get off jumpers on him. Those same traits also make him an aggressive hunter and havoc causer off the ball. Barrett did most of his damage in the first half, with a triple and other good moves to the rim. He’s at a common stage for players of his age range, he’ll hit a nice move, get to the rim and just barely miss. Usually those little misses turn into makes within the next year. And his already productive game will skyrocket.
The speedy senior also stretched the floor with consistent three point shooting from the corners in the contest. This provided needed gravity for the drive heavy focus Millwood squad, while also allowing Xon to feast on his way to over 20 points. It was an impressive, complete and mature performance for a player who has had an up and down high school career. But looks to be ending on a high as a key part of a squad going for a three-peat. With signs of improved shooting and overall finishing, Williams is an intriguing option for Oklahoma JuCos.
Mason used his physicality and fantastic touch around the rim to first change the game in the second quarter, then to swing it again late third and the fourth into Victory Christian’s favor. It was an impressive step forward, as he battled through some unfavorable whistles, and turned that adversity into motivation and energy. The combination of his broad shoulders and soft touch, were simply too much for Idabel. Mason would finish the night with 25 points on a crazy efficient 10-12 from the field (5-6 from the line). It’s likely that his only two misses were longer fadeaways, meaning that when he turned into a battering ram around the basket, he was automatic . The intensity only ramps up as VCS now has a date with the back to back 3A champs Millwood, Mason will once again be called upon to be a difference maker around the rim.
The junior had a strong game, especially with how he adjusted and rose to the occasion in the second half. There was a stretch in the second quarter where the quickness and pressure of Idabel was bothering Hislop. Leading to two turnovers in quick succession. After the break, the junior was much more composed even providing big bucks down the stretch in the fourth to give VCS an edge. It was started when he shook away from the intense defense to drill a tough pull up. Next possession, he pushed, found a gap in the defense and took it to the hole for a tough “And 1” finish. Hislop would finish with a big 12 points in the win.
A tough and complete scorer, Threadgil battled against the VCS size on every drive. During a stretch in the third quarter, he finally got his jumper going and he pushed his Warriors ahead. Looking like they might have a chance to take control of the game. The southeastern Oklahoma junior finished with a team high 21 points.
Jones only hit one three pointer on the night, it was memorable one as he pumpfaked and still had time to beat the first half buzzer. Even without his usually silky jumper falling, Jones scored a game high 24 points thanks to his improved athleticism and strength. He put on a show with a couple nice slams, while also earning trips to the line and finishing well even when not given a clear lane to slam it home. With the senior’s maturation into a complete scorer, he combines with Gray to possibly give the Saints the best one-two punch in Class 3A.
After three first half fouls put a damper on Gray’s first 16 minutes, the senior big man made up for lost time scoring 13 of 19 points in the second half. Including connecting on a pair of triples, which showcased one of the best next level traits of the rugged big man. His floor stretching ability. The senior remains the top unsigned prospect in Oklahoma, with the size and ability to help low t0 mid D1 programs.
After looking very much like a freshman for the opening sixteen minutes, the third quarter belonged to the freshman guard. Within quick succession he connected four times from three triples, some of them from a few steps from beyond the arc. The freshman already has great size and overall feel of the game, and his effortless looking form when shooting from three has him looking like he could mature into the complete package as a lead guard fitting for the modern game. Especially as Duffie already relishes one on one defensive battles. During the middle of his three point barrage he was often picking up and pressuring ball handlers. Where his quickness and strength allowed him to turn them and make life uncomfortable for opposing guards. The Class of 2027 is deep at the top with talented guards and the skilled Duffie is firmly in the conversation for best in the class.
Highlights
Daniel Jarrett
Daniel Jarrett
Another Commando guard who saved his best for the second half, Jarrett join Duffie in hitting huge jumpers in the second half as Cascia would take the lead. He broke into double figures with 11 points, including three makes from long distance. The Commandos have an lot of exciting youth on their squad, but the urgency and impact of seniors is often needed to climb the mountain top during State Tournament runs.