Locust Grove’s Holiday Tournament: An Inside Look

The Locust Grove Tournament tips off on Thursday, January 8th. This year's field is set to deliver several high-quality matchups and showcase some of the top talent in the state. Below, we break down the key matchups and provide an in-depth look at how we think the bracket could unfold.   First Round   Berryhill vs. Miami, Thursday, 12:30 PM   Bishop Kelley vs. Glenpool, Thursday, 3:00 PM   Adair vs. Inola, Thursday, 5:30 PM   Holland Hall vs. Locust Grove, Thursday, 7:30 PM   Champion   Inola   Look for the Longhorns to carry their early-season momentum into this tournament. They have gotten off to an impressive start, suffering just one loss on the year, which came against 5A Collinsville. With a combination of depth, experience, and strong perimeter shooting, this group has the tools to be a difficult matchup for anyone in the field.   Offensively, the Longhorns are at their best when the ball is moving and shots are falling from the outside. Senior guard Caden Thompson will be a key piece in that attack, especially from beyond the arc. Thompson is coming off a standout performance against Sequoyah, where he knocked down four three-pointers and showed his ability to take over a game when needed. His aggressiveness on the perimeter will be something opposing defenses must account for throughout the tournament.   In addition to Thompson, Charlie Castleman and Caleb Helling are two more players who could have a major impact. Castleman adds another reliable shooting threat from deep, giving the Longhorns multiple options on the perimeter. The guard has incredible range and is not afraid to pull the trigger from just about anywhere on the floor. Meanwhile, Helling anchors the defense with his presence in the paint, providing rim protection, shot-blocking, and strong rebounding. If these pieces continue to play at a high level, the Longhorns could be poised for a deep run in the tournament.   Runner-Up   Miami   Look for the Wardogs to rely heavily on the dynamic duo of [player_tooltip player_id='2821056' first='Waike' last='Roblyer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2821074' first='Beckett' last='Sooter'] as their primary go-to players. Both bring unique strengths to the floor and complement one of their other guards, [player_tooltip player_id='2729942' first='Lane' last='Walther'], who has consistently shown the ability to stretch the defense with his perimeter shooting.   Roblyer is a versatile presence on both ends of the court. He has a knack for crashing the boards, blocking shots, and scoring over smaller defenders, making him a matchup nightmare inside. Meanwhile, point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2821074' first='Beckett' last='Sooter'] leads the team in steals and demonstrates excellent anticipation on defense, often creating transition opportunities for his squad. Offensively, Sooter is a deep-range threat and the team's top facilitator, running the offense and leading in assists.   With this combination of scoring, shooting, and defensive prowess, Miami has the tools to challenge any opponent and make a significant impact in the tournament.   All-Tournament Team   Caden Thompson, Inola Thompson is a talented left-handed shooter who can also put the ball on the floor and attack the rim with confidence. Inola will look to pressure opponents, force turnovers, and run in transition, and Thompson is expected to lead the charge. His combination of scoring ability and defensive intensity allows him to create opportunities both for himself and for his teammates. On any given possession, Thompson has the ability to generate multiple turnovers and ignite fast-break opportunities.   [player_tooltip player_id='2729942' first='Lane' last='Walther'], Miami The 6'0 guard is the best shooter in the tournament. Walther does a great job of finding openings and moving without the ball as well. He has range that extends far beyond the 3-point line while also having the ability to push the ball and finish in transition. Look for Walther to showcase his efficiency as a scorer to compliment the other guards for the Wardogs.   [player_tooltip player_id='2821074' first='Beckett' last='Sooter'], Miami Sooter is an impact lead guard who elevates everyone around him. Along with his playmaking skills, he possesses a quick-release shot from beyond the arc, making him a consistent scoring threat. Defensively, Sooter may be the best perimeter stopper in the tournament, using his anticipation and quick hands to disrupt opponents and generate transition chances for the Wardogs.   Charlie Castleman, Inola Castleman's range is virtually unlimited, and his streaky shooting makes him a dangerous weapon for Inola. When he gets hot, he provides a reliable scoring option alongside Thompson. Castleman excels at finding open spots off the ball, ready to knock down shots from deep. Inola's spacing allows him to create passing and driving lanes, making the offense even more potent when he's on the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='2821056' first='Waike' last='Roblyer'], Miami Roblyer is Miami's x-factor. The 6'7 forward brings versatility on both ends of the floor, capable of guarding multiple positions while providing a scoring boost when needed. Recently, Roblyer has shown an increased scoring touch, and his length and defensive presence give the Wardogs flexibility as the tournament progresses. If Miami hopes to make a deep run, Roblyer's consistent play will be a major key.   [player_tooltip player_id='2047672' first='Joe' last='Stieferman'], Bishop Kelley The 5'10 junior has been a steady contributor for Bishop Kelley, averaging 9.2 points, 4 assists, and 3.5 rebounds over his last four games. During that stretch, he has also been a consistent threat from the perimeter, knocking down an average of two three-pointers per contest.   If Bishop Kelley hopes to make a run in this tournament, Stieferman will need to continue playing at a high level and build on his strong recent performances. His impact will go beyond scoring, as his ability to make winning plays, diving for loose balls, generating steals, and creating open looks for teammates, will be critical to the Comets' success.   Mason True, Locust Grove True has been the Pirates' most consistent offensive weapon so far this season. The junior guard has proven to be a reliable shooter from beyond the three-point line, stretching defenses and opening up opportunities for his teammates. If Locust Grove hopes to make a deep run in the tournament, True will need to step into a leadership role and shoulder a heavy scoring load, using his shooting ability and confidence to set the tone offensively.   [player_tooltip player_id='2213327' first='Carter' last='Mardis'], Holland Hall Holland Hall has shown flashes of high-level team basketball this season, and when Mardis is at his best, the entire group benefits. The 6'6 senior is an excellent passer who can rip through and attack defenders off the bounce, making him a difficult matchup. His ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc, combined with his long wingspan, adds another layer to his versatility on both ends of the floor.   For Holland Hall to continue its strong play, Mardis will need to remain locked in defensively while making a consistent impact offensively. His leadership, decision-making, and two-way presence will be key factors in how far the Dutch can advance.

The Locust Grove Tournament tips off on Thursday, January 8th. This year's field is set to deliver several high-quality matchups and showcase some of the top talent in the state. Below, we break down the key matchups and provide an in-depth look at how we think the bracket could unfold.