Double Header: Norman Moore and PCO Southmoore

Welcome to the the new weekly Wednesday feature, covering two of the top games in Oklahoma. With one covered in depth in person the night before, and another watched back on stream the following morning.   Norman hosting Moore was the Tuesday night destination. Which featured a balanced Norman squad that had key contributions from all of their starting 5, and led wire to wire over Moore. It was a strong statement for a Norman squad with aspirations of a third straight State Tournament appearance, with their junior class looking ready to carry the load.   Meanwhile for Wednesday morning "film" watching, an exciting new look Putnam City squad hosted a youthful but talented Southmoore. That game saw a back forth battle for much of the game, but in the second half the speedy and enthusiastic PCO squad pulled away and never looked back.    One of the state's rising junior stars had moments of brilliance combined with areas of improvement. Let's start with the good, he's stronger and faster with the ball, with some of the best handles in Oklahoma. When he picked his spots to get downhill, he was dangerous as a passer and finisher. Great elevation and hangtime allows him to finish in traffic, while also having a floater game. Can fit passes into tight windows on drive, great vision and anticipation. Thrives in uptempo settings. Jumper wasn't fully clicking on the night, but his handles can create space on pull ups.   The physical traits and high level skillset are at such a level he's among the state's best. And has the upside to be a productive college player. But the next step in his development comes with decision making. Moore's smaller but quick guards forced some turnovers that were in part to Billingsley over dribbling, which included a five second count. Along with some instances where he was fancier on passes, when a simpler pass would've been better. There was also the instance with an minute left and up 6, Billingsley broke the press then missed a 6 footer. Understand time and game settings is crucial for point guards, especially at the next level. Continuing to refine his decision making and limiting turnovers will be crucial to monitor as the dynamic lead guard also racks up highlight reel plays.       Only a sophomore and already among the state's best athletes. Osborne is simply a gamechanger on both ends. Chase down blocks and steals on defense. While being too strong and too quick as a driving when getting downhill. Really set the tone on both ends for an energetic and athletic Putnam City squad. Draws some parallels in athleticism and playing style to Corey Gordon, who was a basketball standout before turning into a playmaking DB for Baylor in football.     Miller's full scoring ability was on display. He drilled 25+ three pointers with ease. While also appearing physically stronger. That improved strength was most evident on a first half drive where he was more decisive, quickly got downhill and threw it down with two hands. Continues to have a good in-between game with a variety of moves in the mid-range. Along with the ability to draw fouls at the rim. College programs looking for instant offense should make Miller a priority.     Throughout the contest, Jackson was a constant floor spacing threat and hit big three pointers. He combined the scoring punch with an improved mindset on the defensive end. Where he used his long wingspan and athleticism to help rebound, alter shots, while also being versatile enough to switch out onto guards and cause havoc on the perimeter. Very promising start to his sophomore season as a "3 and D" impact player.     Was a quieter shooting night from the perimeter till a flurry of late three pointers and jumpers during Southmoore's furious attempt to rally in the closing minutes. Which included a pull up three from nearly 30 feet and tough mid-range hits. With his jumper quieter early, it was impressive how improved his off the dribble finishing around the rim was. There's a lot of strong aspects to Pogi's game but his knack for scoring can separate him from his peers and put him among Oklahoma's best.     Amous can be one of the Oklahoma's more under appreciated standouts, because there's nothing that flashy about his game. He simply puts his head down and goes to work around the basket, staring in his role as a bruiser. Had some very big finishes and putbacks against a taller opponent from Moore. Plays bigger and stronger than his size around the rim, which will allow him to have next level opportunities.     A newcomer to Putnam City, he brought a veteran presence to a starting line up that featured three sophomores. Good ball handler and good vision, ran the show in the halfcourt and had some nice feeds in transition as well. More of a traditional PG, but had a scoring spurt where he hit tough mid-range jumpers. Looks to fit perfectly into his new program and is already making waves.     A powder keg of a player, Folsom's motor never turns off. Snagged some unbelievable rebounds for a player his size. Always applying ball pressure, a nuisance with great instincts to force off the ball steals. Was also one of Southmoore's more reliable shooters on the night, including some deep threes. After an injury hindered his freshman year, it's good to see him healthy and hit the ground running as a sophomore.     There was an early scrimmage last month where Holt shot the cover off the ball and a note was made to keep an eye on him going forward. He followed than up with a season opening flame throwing performance as an automatic catch and shoot weapon. Provides valuable floor spacing for Norman, and was the biggest beneficiary of crisp ball movement. Has a role and seems set to thrive in it for his junior year.     Quieter start for the sophomore, but he exploded in the second half and had some big time, dynamic drives and finishes in the second half. Earned some trips to the line on those drives too with strong and acrobatic finishes through contact. They were clutch buckets that allowed PCO to pull away and maintain their edge in the fourth. Among the top breakout candidates in the sophomore class and seems to be in a role that will play to his strengths as a slasher and scorer.     Combs-Pierce is a dynamic guard, who even when not scoring can leave a mark on the game. For his size he's strong and has plus athleticism to match. Seems to be making strides as a passer, capable of making good passes with either hand. Either driving and creating for others or playing with his head up in transition and making the smart pass. Plays with good intensity, feet movement and off the ball awareness on defense, solid all around showing for a junior that has the tools to make a leap this year.     Up and down game for Hines. Had a stretch where he put his height advantage to work with good post ups, rolls and other finishing around the basket. But also had stretches where he settled for jumpers, which weren't falling on the night. Continuing to more consistently play to his size on both ends of the court will be crucial for Hines. As he has all the potential to change games around the rim in Oklahoma.

Welcome to the the new weekly Wednesday feature, covering two of the top games in Oklahoma. With one covered in depth in person the night before, and another watched back on stream the following morning.