ToC Championship Scouting

Putting a bow on a busy 72 hours of hoops with the third place and title games at the Tournament of Champions in Tulsa. In third place action, Weatherford shrugged off a slow start, took a half time lead and weathered the blows from Booker T Washington to secure a 61-57 victory.   The title game featured the top 918 squad Owasso against arguably the best 405 team, Millwood. It was a clash of styles with Millwood's "5 out" guard heavy lineup. While Owasso might as well be a college lineup with their size across the board. Owasso take an early lead and Millwood made pushes throughout. But Owasso never let go of the rope and always righted the ship. They would eventually win 53-47. It was a capper for a wild 11 days for the Rams. It started on December 18th in Florida and featured 7 stern tests. At the legendary City of Palms, they split the four games with a 2-2 record against some of the nation's elite programs. They then flew home on Christmas Eve, and took the best shot from some of Oklahoma's top teams. With a national level recruit and more future collegiate players, Owasso has met their high expectations in the first 6 weeks of the season. Now they'll focus on District play with eyes on repeating in Class 6A.      The target on the back for Montonati grows every week. On Saturday night, every time he touched the ball he seemed to draw a crowd of defenders. With them poking and prodding, leading to tough earned buckets. His game is often built off of patient NBA style iso buckets. Millwood did a good job of disrupting that as times. But he also had a couple times where he went quick on the catch and scored. A good sign for his development i is making the quick reads, decisions and assessing the situation.   Not the best shooting performance over the last two days, but he drill a triple to start the contest. Montonati had stretches last week where he shot the cover off the ball, so there shouldn't be any questions of his placement as one of the elite shooters.   High level prospects are interesting evaluations, because every local opponent rises their game in an attempt to match them. They are also put under a microscope when it comes to their mistakes. As a friend would say "it comes with the plate." After his long week in Florida, the semifinals and title game weren't his most efficient performance but Montonati and the Rams keep winning.     Wilks is a warrior on both ends of the floor. Picked up opposing guards and hounded them into turnovers and or forcing timeouts. Sometimes it was his quick hands to disrupt them, other times it was him pulling the chair when they turned their backs to him. Dogged defense, that is seemingly non-stop.   The big development in his game this season has been his jumper. Owasso learned at one point in the second half that it's no longer a good idea to go under on ball screens. Hit three times from beyond the arc. Still a blur with the ball in his hands, now with more spin moves and even stronger finishing ability at the rim.   Tough, complete guard, with a swagger and presence that indicates his leadership and play will translate to college.     After a quiet Friday night, Wilson stepped up in a big way on Saturday. The court was filled with college level athletes and his athleticism arguably shined the brightest. His quick first step led to an early strong take at the rim. And he consistently pressed the rim in the contest. Had one coast to coast drive where he shook one of the best defenders in the state and out raced the rest of the defense to the rim.   More than just a dynamic slashing guard, Wilson brought it on the defensive end. With Owasso's big in foul trouble, he even turned into a bit of a rim protector. Elevating effortlessly multiple times for blocks at the rim. Was a true difference maker in helping to deliver Owasso the tournament title.     Kennedy continues to fit in perfectly with his new squad. Which makes sense, as he's a guard version of the talented wings they have on the squad. Going to hit open shots, hook it up on defense, handle it and make the right passes. Basically he's going to cover all the bases, which is what he did again.   Every three pointer he hits feels timely. Which was the case in a second quarter run and clutch fourth quarter shooting from deep. He helped handle the waves of Hornets ball pressure and gave it right back by forcing some steals of his own. The only blemish on the night was in the final minute, he went 2-4 from the line. Clean that up and Weatherford will continue to back up their top ranking in 4A.     Sanders got Booker T Washington off to a hot shot with his perimeter shooting and speedy attacking game. Then it was he who they turned to late in the contest to get a spark on offense. They ran a designed look for him and it was nothing but net and was the start of a 7-0 run. Clearly a type of shooter who can shift momentum with his makes. Finished with 17 points.

Putting a bow on a busy 72 hours of hoops with the third place and title games at the Tournament of Champions in Tulsa. In third place action, Weatherford shrugged off a slow start, took a half time lead and weathered the blows from Booker T Washington to secure a 61-57 victory.