Top Performers: Mustang Holiday Classic Day 1

Checking in on the games all day at the Bank 7 Mustang Holiday Classic. From 405 powerhouses, traveling 918 squads and small towns, the whole state is represented at this elite in-season tournament.   Game 1   Choctaw 65   Marlow 45   Game 2   Jenks 50   Carl Albert 45   Game 3   Putnam City North 69   Holland Hall 44   Game 4   Mustang 59   Hooker 52    Steelman put his names into the Mustang Holiday Classic record books by not only setting the record for most blocks in a single game. He sat it for most blocks for all three games in the tournament. Steelman had 8 rejections, and it could've been more if the refs hadn't made some questionable calls against him. Starting in the second quarter, he absolutely dominated the paint. Seemingly swatting anything that came near him. It was good to see the skilled big man embrace his height and work to dominate the paint by also grabbing 7 rebounds.     Small town scorer, with country strength and a good dash of skill. Good off the ball movement, burning players who overplayed him with backcuts. Took contact well along with a soft touch on floaters. Was a relentless driver, with a short memory who kept battling against a bigger Class 6A team. Had a game high 21 points.     Tenacious guard who helped wake up the Yellowjackets after a slow start. He picked up full court, pressured the ball and knocked it loose. Then scooped it up and threw it down with two hands. He repeated the trick a few more times, including twice in a span of about thirty seconds in the second half. Strong show of Choctaw's depth and a sign that the senior should be making winning plays come February and March.     Thompson finished 14 points, most of it coming in the second half. Shot maker from distance, providing floor spacing and looked automatic when left open. Was 4-6 from three, and hit one tough mid-range look after being ran off the line. The junior is making his own mark as part of Choctaw's super talented and deep Class of 2026.     Even from around the volleyball line, Goodwin is in range. He proved that by casually sinking a 30 footer to open the contest. After that, Carl Albert did a better job of staying attached to him, but he still got loose for a few more threes. Finishing with 20 total, which included tough scores off drives that helped ice the game in the final frame. Flat out one of the very best shooters in Oklahoma, regardless of class.     The second part of Jenks' dynamic duo on Thursday. Gave good minutes around the rim on defense, swatting a few shots and grabbing boards. Still room to grow in embracing the physicality and his athletic gifts on the defensive end, but promising signs. Really shined with high motor play on offense. Good rhythm and balance when moving to open spots in the mid-range or from three. Offensively, appears to have the athleticism and skillset to be a true perimeter/wing player. Had a very efficient 15 points.     The bouncy guard kept it rolling for his Panthers. There were his customary blocks at the rim, and elevation on drives. But there was an important wrinkle, he was a key part of taking it to the Holland Hall zone defense. PCN is likely to face a lot of zone this year, and the verticality Brown brings near the rim, along with being dangerous at the free throw line will be crucial for PCN's State Tournament aspirations. For Oklahoma high school basketball, he plays like he's close to 6'5 or 6'6. Still one of the higher upside available guards in Oklahoma.     The promising freshman has carved out a sizable role on the upperclassman heavy North squad. Provides floor spacing with his shooting ability, while also being active and smart in their pressure defense. Was a key part of Putnam City North breaking the game wide open in the second half. Very interesting physical profile, with a sneaky and lanky build that is usually a sign of a player still growing and will be big time athlete down the road. Stacking meaningful experience now, with more upside to come.     Started the game on fire for Holland Hall, keeping them step for step with the 6A Panthers. Is a "15 foot and In" player. Posted up mismatches and went to work. Or caught the ball around the free throw line and had good face up attacks. Another plus was how hard he ran the floor, working hard for easy looks. Strong utility player, who looks to be maximizing his talent as the senior go to player for the Dutch.     Robinson was impressive as a sophomore for a Hooker squad that reached the Class 2A semifinals. If Thursday was any indication, Robinson and his teammates might be ready to take a step or two further. Was a good athlete last year, but has an extra gear now. Good quickness and strength on drives, allowed him to carve up Mustang in the first half. Right balance between looking for own shot, or kicking it out with big time assists to teammates. Waves of Mustang defenders started to slow him down in the second half, also only got done with football a few weeks ago. But the standout from the Panhandle more than passed the eye test, as he made the jumper leap year from an athletic standpoint. Looks ready to put up some of the top numbers in the state this year.     Sharpshooting sophomore helped jumpstart a sluggish Mustang offense. Tied for a team high 14 points, on importantly 4 of 7 shooting from three. Primarily fits in as a spot up threat, but has some skill with the ball in his hands. Looks to be a season of good growth by stepping into a bigger role this year. Will keep tabs on physical development as he'll need to continue to maximize his physical gifts to see his overall game expand.     Nearly recorded a double double with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Nothing flashy, but strong work around the rim. Has good touch on a baby hook type shot, that extends to about 6-8 feet. Also when fronted late, sealed his man and scored easily. Did step out and confidently hit a huge three in overtime, which would help secure the victory for the host Broncos.

Checking in on the games all day at the Bank 7 Mustang Holiday Classic. From 405 powerhouses, traveling 918 squads and small towns, the whole state is represented at this elite in-season tournament.