The Full 32: Millwood vs Crossings Christian

A full breakdown of this week's fun match up between 3A favorites Millwood and 4A contenders Crossings Christian.    One of the top developments in the Louisiana signee's game over recent years has been his jumper. His shooting and overall presence were the key to Millwood closing out Crossings in the fourth quarter. Has a knack for the big moments, knocking down crucial threes when needed to help spread the floor against the packed in zone Crossings played. Vocal presence throughout the game, encouraging and playing the role of the coach on the floor with the adjustments he helps his teammates make. True floor general, a rare find today in a world of combo guards.     The sophomore had been showing flashes of his talent throughout this season. Tuesday night he put it all together with a breakout performance, featuring 18 points. Hit clutch threes and had crafty finishes around the rim. Sneaky great feel as a passer for his age, hinting at his combo guard abilities if not out right point guard future. There were baptism by fire moments as a primary ball handler against arguably the best defensive guards in Oklahoma. But Buckingham has an unflappable nature and kept bouncing back.     The fastest hands in the state. Barrett masterfully blends between being a lock down defender and a havoc causer. Contested shots against taller players with those quick hands and his massive wingspan. Or knowing when to gamble and poke out loose dribbles. If an opponent make even the smallest mistake, odds are he will pounce. One of the most versatile defenders in Oklahoma with his ability to lock down guards and even forwards. Has turned into an automatic finisher around the rim. With highlight reel dunks in transition and tough buckets in the halfcourt. One of the few true dawgs in the state.     Fun growing experience for the Knights lead guard. Millwood is one of the few teams in Oklahoma where their guards can match or possibly even exceed his combo of strength and athleticism. Which led to some turnovers and a tough match up, but Sykes still had his shares of wins. Had his usual fair share of havoc causing plays. Looks like a DB with the way he jumps and tips plays in the passing lanes. Hit a tough "old fashion" three point play that put Crossings up late in the third. Keeps on coming, as he plays with a chip on his shoulder. But it's important he properly toes the line when playing with the chip and keeps his cool even in frustrating moments.     Similar to Barrett, VanBuren is load off the bounce. Tough as nails as a scorer at the basket. He brings a bit more power with his game, thanks to having the body of a D1 linebacker. But he's every bit of a hooper, with good feel as a connector when playing in the middle of the zone. And has improved his shooting touch in the mid-range too with a good pull up game. Rebounds like a bigger player. Should have strong positional versatility at the next level as well.     The senior fits his role to a T for the Falcons. As is required to touch the floor for Millwood, he gets after it on the defensive end. Have even seen him rise up and block shots in transition. Definitely has some grit to his game. His defense helps, but his biggest contribution comes via being the best shooter on the roster. Clay is money in the corners, providing valuable points and spacing to allow his athletic teammates to attack the basket.     As always, Black plays with zero fear and all motor. Often first to the floor for loose balls. Runs like a deer in transition and competes for rebounds. There's a lot to be excited about his game. But for the next step in his development, his awareness on the offensive end needs to improve. In these big games, there often is at least one or two mental lapses. In the game against Millwood, it came with a double dribble in the fourth quarter. Other times it's been lax dribbling with "wolf" defenders chasing him down from him behind. Playing the game fast and hard is great, but improving his feel will unlock his potential. Crossings plays in a lot of high profile games vs top competition, so his basketball education should be sped up this year.     Bouncy forward, that plays the garbage man role well for the Falcons. Slide over and took a big charge in the first half. Quick off the floor to contest and blocks shots as well. Had an energizer dunk in the fourth quarter that helped spark the Falcons' push to secure the win. Fun to watch athlete, who understands his role. And has the athletic foundation to continue to grow into more of a perimeter player.

A full breakdown of this week's fun match up between 3A favorites Millwood and 4A contenders Crossings Christian.