STANDOUTS: Class 6A West Area Consolation Championship
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A pair of games in Shawnee on Saturday evening saw Westmoore and Norman punch their tickets to the final 8 in Class 6A. The winners of the two contests turned Shawnee into the city of brotherly love, as Westmoore and…
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Continue ReadingA pair of games in Shawnee on Saturday evening saw Westmoore and Norman punch their tickets to the final 8 in Class 6A. The winners of the two contests turned Shawnee into the city of brotherly love, as Westmoore and Norman both had siblings who changed the game. Here’s a focus on the standouts for the two programs who are headed to Lloyd Noble Center on Wednesday.
There are likely very few players in Oklahoma shooting the ball better right now than the junior sharpshooter. He’s locked in from deep, while also hitting tough shots from all the court. One of the better examples of his shooting versatility was the quickness and fluidity of a catch and shoot, mid-range turn around he hit in the second half. His soft shooting touch continued around the rim, where he did a great job of finshing traffic all night. He’s playing some of the best ball of his life, at the right time for the 6A State Tournament bound Jaguars.
Highlights
From providing a calming presence as a lead ball handler, crashing the glass, havoc causing defensive plays and more; Combs-Pierce did it all to secure a second straight trip to the Class 6A State Tournament for his Tigers. He draws a lot of focus on the offensive end, and that has led to his development as a passer and creator out of the high post. The senior’s “A Plus” decision making is often on display with him rarely taking bad shots, and setting up his teammates with good looks. Defensively, he remains one of the most unique players in Oklahoma with the ability to alter shots all over the court, while also smartly hunting for steals.
Loper has been “Mr Dependable” for the Jaguars all year. He’s really mastered his nice, one legged fadeway. Which he goes to with regularity as a great counter move on drives. At the rim, he’s a crafty finisher who takes contact very well and those two combinations make him one of the more underrated scoring threats in Oklahoma’s senior class. The senior will also get after it on the defensive end, as quality on the ball defender who plays smartly by moving his feet.
Highlights
A very impressive steal and score to end the third quarter, set the tone for the Tigers to put away the Patriots. Like his older brother, Combs-Pierce is a smart and heady defender. Who’s often very successful with his gambles and reading of the game. Throughout the final frame, the quick and compact guard made big play after big play leading to transition points for himself and his teammates. He was fearless on one drive late, where he went through Putnam City West’s star forward, finished through the contact and fouled the Patriots’ best player out the game.
Highlights
The sophomore has started to put together better scoring numbers of late, and the big buckets he scored throughout the second half were a great example of that. He’s turning into a reliable knockdown shooter, and even made the defense pay with a nice backdoor cut in the fourth quarter. Billingsley remains a very steady and good ballhandler, and his additional scoring punch is a key step in his development.
Highlights
Jayden Thomas
Jayden Thomas
Westmoore’s received contributions from everyone on the court, with the senior utility man scoring tough buckets throughout the contest. He closed out the first quarter with a big three that beat the buzzer, which would set the tone for the rest of the contest. Seniors tend to play with an extra 10% that underclassmen can’t match due to senior urgency, look for Thomas to be a role player who could potentially swing games in the Jaguars’ favor this week in Norman.