Standouts at the Buckle of the Wheatbelt

3rd Place Game   Kingfisher 59   Woodward 61     Championship Game   Perkins-Tryon 52 OT   Weatherford 47    Slusser was clutch down the stretch in the overtime victory for Perkins. Progressively got better and better off the bounce. As earlier in the game, it felt like he was dancing and less decisive. But by the end of the game was playing with confidence and hitting tough shots. Has some acrobatics and strength to his finishing ability around the rim. Even hit free throws to help ice the win. Was impressive in his determination to help take down the undefeated and defending Class 4A champs.     Had only seen Johnson on video before and his athleticism popped off the screen in those viewings. He had a couple of those plays that make him an interesting prospect. The bouncy sophomore volleyball spiked one shot attempt hard into the ground. Then in overtime got loose on the baseline for a huge alley oop. The box for vertical explosiveness is clearly checked with Johnson. But in watching a full game, an area of improvement was clear. He needs to improve his lateral movement, as his hips are a bit stiff for an athlete of his caliber. Improvement there would help his ability to cover guards and attack when handle the rock.     As the only returning starter for the defending champs, Smith has been tasked with keeping the tradition going. In the first half, he was a tough cover. Has a nasty mid-range game, hitting tough jumpers and getting to the rim. Foul trouble hampered his second half, even starting the fourth with four fouls and on the bench. He then fouled out shortly after checking in. A disappointing ending to the senior's night but an important learning lesson. Which given the experience and winning Smith has under his belt, he surely will learn from it. And hopefully he'll play with joy and looseness as the star man for Weatherford.     When Weatherford's offense was stalling in the second quarter, it was the college coach's son who kicked started them. Pure shooter who hit three in that quarter. Then added another clutch three in the fourth and in the extra period. The Eagles seemed to be filled with quality shooters around Smith, and Weiberg thrived on Wednesday night in that role as a sharpshooting, floor spacer.     Gaines opened the game with a pair of dunks, which exhibited the improvement in his transition speed and verticality. Overall his movements are still a bit gangly when it comes to agility but that comes with the territory of a still growing forward prospect. He's pushing a solid 6 foot 8, which given his shooting skillset makes him very intriguing. For his high school team, he's the clear center of attention, which makes his role slightly different than his likely next level role. As such, he's finishing through contact and scoring tough buckets around the rim. Along with peppering in good passes. Very intriguing sophomore prospect, who had 23 in a win over a ranked 4A foe.     With Laird's usual senior running mate sidelined, it was on his shoulders to carry the Yellowjackets. He did a good job of slicing to the basket and scoring with his crafty finishing package. Has a little more strength and quickness, which allows him to glide and still finish strongly. With Laird at the helm of a healthy Kingfisher, they'll be a squad no team will want to face during the gauntlet that is the Class 4A playoffs.

3rd Place Game