Tournament of Champions: Analyzing Day 2

The second day of play featured several solid team performances. We saw some comeback victories, as well as dominant defense from a few teams. This tournament has no shortage of talent, and many of the players we looked at today were playing some of their best basketball of the season so far. The first two days in Tulsa have featured great atmospheres, as schools have been well represented.   Memorial 61   Southmoore 57   Memorial raced out to a 14-point halftime lead in this one. This was fueled by solid defense in the halfcourt, and a red-hot start from both [player_tooltip player_id='1552317' first='Fabian' last='Harris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2527381' first='Jarius' last='Bossell']. The first half saw them shoot 6 for 10 from beyond the arc, while limiting the SaberCats to 0 for 5. The 6'3 Harris hit multiple catch-and-shoot 3-pointers and really had a strong overall performance.   Things got interesting in the second half, as the SaberCats responded in a big way. [player_tooltip player_id='2140800' first='Tyson' last='Pogi'] was a real bright spot, showing toughness and resilience on both ends. Pogi really ignited his team with multiple steals and was able to pour in 15 points in the third quarter. The junior finished with 23 points and almost helped lead the SaberCats all the way back in this one.   Owasso 91   Okarche 44   The Rams came out with a lot of intensity in this one. [player_tooltip player_id='1552362' first='Boden' last='Williams'] led the charge again and scored 29 points in this one. Some other names of note were Keaton Reynolds and [player_tooltip player_id='2569390' first='Crew' last='Byerly']. Reynolds scored in transition and hit a corner three in the second half, while Byerly was also productive attacking the rim for the Rams. The lack of floor balance really hit the Warriors, as Owasso was constantly beating them back and scoring in transition. [player_tooltip player_id='1552349' first='Julius' last='Wilson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1552386' first='MJ' last='Milton'] were a nightmare to stay with in these scenarios, scoring time and time again. Owasso advances to play Tulsa Memorial.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552358' first='Jett' last='Mueggenborg'] scored 26 for Okarche, however, it did not come easy. As a team, they could never really get into a rhythm in this matchup, shooting just 30% from the floor. Look for this experience to really help this squad as they look to win a state title in Class A. Arguably the top team in 6A, Owasso will provide them with a big learning opportunity that should help down the road.   Millwood 75   Fort Gibson 36   The story for Millwood in this was their ability to generate easy shots. The Falcon forced 17 turnovers and really harassed Fort Gibson ballhandlers all evening. Of those 17, they were able to score 26 points, while allowing no points off turnovers to the Tigers. [player_tooltip player_id='2223700' first='Amari' last='Barrett'] was huge again, forcing a ton of turnovers with his activity and length. Offensively, he scored 14 points and contributed 11 rebounds. Barrett's ability to attack the ball really helped a Millwood team that doesn't have a true matchup for [player_tooltip player_id='2327106' first='Cooper' last='Hackett'] from Fort Gibson. Another key contributor for the Falcons in this one was [player_tooltip player_id='2910395' first='Harlem' last='Flemon']. The freshman guard provided a good scoring spark, showcasing athleticism and body control throughout the game. He took shots in rhythm and controlled the ball well, scoring 13 points.   As for the Tigers, Ky Murrell provided another strong scoring game, making that two in a row. He provided 11 points, most of which came in the second half. Fort Gibson could only counter with 9 fast break points though, to Millwood's 36.   East Central 71   Cascia Hall 62   This game was very even as far as stats go. Cascia Hall built an 11-point lead early in the second quarter and took a lead into halftime. The difference in the game ended up being East Central's defense coming out of the break. They showcased both full court pressure and a 2-3 zone to really stifle the Commandos. The tandem of [player_tooltip player_id='2733903' first='Caden' last='Montgomery'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2140742' first='Gregory' last='Nash'] were extremely active on defense, producing multiple steals by playing passing lanes well. Montgomery also pushed the ball well in transition and produced a number of assists by keeping his head up and seeing the entire floor. One of his beneficiaries was Rickey Bruner. The guard was on fire once again for the Cardinals, scoring 24 points and hitting six 3-pointers. Deandre Rhodes was a force inside both as a scorer and rebounder. Both Rhodes and Nash finished with 18 apiece. The Cardinals will take on Millwood in the title game tomorrow.   For Cascia Hall, the slow third quarter was too much to overcome. However, they had some standout performances again. Memphis Duffey scored 20 points and was extremely active on the offensive end. His 3-point shot looked good as he made three from deep to go along with some nice drives to the cup. MarQuis Markham also helped keep the Commandos in it late with some clutch baskets to cut into the deficit, including a right wing three in the final two minutes. The Commandos will play Fort Gibson in the third place game.

The second day of play featured several solid team performances. We saw some comeback victories, as well as dominant defense from a few teams. This tournament has no shortage of talent, and many of the players we looked at today were playing some of their best basketball of the season so far. The first two days in Tulsa have featured great atmospheres, as schools have been well represented.