Tourney SZN: Championship Saturday

The close out of Oklahoma's second weekend of tournaments saw a rivalry match up for third place, Westmoore looking to fully redeem their poor showing at the Edmond Open and Weatherford continue to soar. It was a busy day in Norman, with a visit to three different gyms and three games watched.    The newest Eagle showed why he's a game changer for one of the top teams in Oklahoma. He caught fire from three to bust the game open in the second quarter and fully put it away in the third. Sometimes it was simply spotting up, but he also hit a nasty stepback three following a pump fake. Weatherford really looked to get him going, and he responded with those triples or attacking the rim when defenders overplayed him. Great all around guard, who has found his niche for an elite team.     It was a slugfest of a first half, that Barnard's hot shooting helped break open in the second half. Type of shooter that doesn't need much space, and has enough wiggle with the ball to create the space and rise up quickly. Took it to one of their better guard defense in Oklahoma with smart off the ball movement. Dragged defenders through mazes of streams, or simply set them up for backdoors when they overplayed. Impressive, controlled and efficient scoring performance for one of Oklahoma's top available guards.     The other half of the Jaguar one-two punch that took it to PCN in the second half. Multi-level scorer, who can also finish above the rim in transition. Hit a big three during Westmoore's big second half run. While also going to work with tough finishes on drives. Strong rebounder for a guard/wing. Great all around game and is off to a strong junior campaign following a breakout sophomore season and strong 16U summer.     The theme of a different Norman North sophomore stepping each game continued, as it was their sharpshooter who helped secure them a win against their bitter rivals. Late in the fourth in a tied game, he broke the tie with a triple. Then seconds later hit another to extend their lead, which also proved to be point total they needed. Hardeman was also the player who smartly ran out the clock, avoiding a few defenders as the clock hit zero for their one point win. He hit three triples on the day and is continuing to grow in his role for a scrappy Timberwolves squad.     Nickson continues to make a play or two each game that is uncommon in Oklahoma. On Saturday it came with a two handed block where he defied gravity with the ease he elevated. Along with the physical feats, he's an unselfish star that seems more focused on winning than personal accolades. Often was the creative hub for the Eagles in the halfcourt, drawing a crowd and then making the right reads to cutting teammates. Which led to assists and hockey assists. Has proven over his career that he can take over games when needed, but love the way he also lets his other teammates eat. Key part of the a team on a mission for the 4A title.     Norman found themselves down big at the half, and it was the junior who was on a mission to carry them back into the contest. Loved the way he was more decisive, still had some ankle breaking moments, but got north-south more. Had some very tough finishes at the rim in a physical contest where the refs were letting the teams play. Norman also ran more plays where he got off the ball, then was put into spots to score. Should see his efficiency continue to improve throughout the season. Has quickly turned into one of the tougher covers in Oklahoma. Especially with the way he can stop and pop on jumpers.     On a team filled with guards, Muriithi knows his role and goes to work around the basket. Physical frame and great vertical lift allows him to be a scrappy and tough rebounder. Nearly caught a body with an explosive dunk attempt following a steal he forced. Great example of knowing his role and starring in it, as he's a key part of a strong PCN team. Where his impact goes beyond the box score.

The close out of Oklahoma's second weekend of tournaments saw a rivalry match up for third place, Westmoore looking to fully redeem their poor showing at the Edmond Open and Weatherford continue to soar. It was a busy day in Norman, with a visit to three different gyms and three games watched.