Thursday’s Best at the Titan Classic

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kicking off the final week of in-season tournament coverage with a full day at the Titan Classic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Game 1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edmond North 71</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Norman North 66</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Game 2 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Norman 51</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sand Springs 45</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Game 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carl Albert 58</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Collinsville 46</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1475989"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6793e3ffc5ee5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Best is thriving in his sharpshooting role for Edmond North. The Huskies started slow and it was his shooting that helped them build a second half lead. Which helped them hold off an furious Norman North comeback threat. Runs with good energy on offense, getting to open spots in transition or as part of the Huskies' half court sets. Would like to see similar energy be applied on the defensive end more consistently. Because that would help him see early success at the next level as well. The bottom line is with the high level he shoots the ball, Best should be a priority for regional small colleges.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1552322"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6793e3ffc5f45"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Led the way with an efficient 18 points in a win over Sand Springs, with a variety of skilled finishing at the rim and off the dribble shot making. This season has seen him continue to grow into a more well rounded floor general, with spurts where he takes over games. Has flair when attacking with hesitation and spin moves. With good vision to find openings for teammates when he draws a crowd. Also was impressed that he was at times tasked with covering Sand Springs' top scorer. Billingsley's steady all around growth this year will make him even more appealing to college coaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2499145"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6793e3ffc5f8d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As the season progresses, so does the exciting sophomore core for the Titans. On Thursday night Johnson was one of those sophomores to step up. Got loose for a backdoor alley oop slam in the first half. Which is a big time indication of his promising athleticism and size. Moves very well his size and age, signs that he can be an all around scorer as an upperclassman. Especially with the form and way he shoots it from the perimeter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140728"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6793e3ffc5fd2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Summers is becoming instant offense for the Timberwolves off the bench. It was her perimeter shooting, off the dribble and spot up, that sparked a fourth quarter run which gave them a chance to win it late. He's a shot hunter, who can pressure the rim with good pace or perhaps more importantly quickly pull up off the dribble in the mid-range and from deep. Has the makings to continue to mature into one of the better scorers in Oklahoma's Class of 2027. But right now, is perfect in a microwave role off the bench. And he's often trust to closes games because of his growing clutch genes. Just see the game winner he hit earlier this month against top 6A squad, Deer Creek.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1756347"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2749877,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6793e3ffc6030"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thompson drew a crowd throughout the game but remained an efficient scorer by hitting tough shots. Always ready to shot off the ball, has a quick release and is undaunted by close outs. Is very good when putting the ball on the floor for one-two dribbles to hit in mid-range or relocate on the perimeter. Has other flashes of a strong developing iso-game as well. Has continued to grow physically and should hit the ground running at the next level as a 3 and D player that can cover multiple positions. With the upside to be more as an upperclassman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1293550"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6793e3ffc6076"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Do it all wing-forward for Edmond North. Runs the floor hard for transition points, can also post up smaller foes. Competes for rebounds with strong hands and solid hops. Also made a couple key blocks, including one where he flew out to block what would've been a game tying three pointer in the last minute. Knol always competes on both ends of the court and expect that intensity to ratchet up even more in the final weeks on his high school career. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140725"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6793e3ffc60b9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sophomore with a good movement profile, who is having a strong campaign. Gets off the floor well to help a smaller Cardinals team compete on the glass. Smart off the ball mover in transition and the half court. Looks like if he puts in the time in the gym, he should develop into a smooth off the dribble scorer, especially in the mid-range. Had noticed the production for Collinsville and was good to see in person that he has the upside to mature into a 18-20 point a game scorer as an upperclassman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2749886"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6793e3ffc60fb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Steady senior presence for a younger Carl Albert team that is starting to find their stride. Popped up with crucial three pointers throughout the contest. Solid size and frame, gives him the ability to be a tough defender and driver around the rim. Seniors often shine the brightest in February and March, and Garcia will have a chance to lead his tradition rich program to another State Tournament appearance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->