Top Ten Showdown: Fort Gibson vs. Catoosa

Friday night saw a bevy of strong matchups across the state. One game that many had their eyes on was Fort Gibson heading to Catoosa. With both teams highly ranked in Class 4A, you knew this one would end up telling us a lot about both teams. The Tigers had navigated a tougher schedule thus far, while the Indians were perfect on the season. The Indians forced a lot of turnovers and came up with the statement win they had been looking for.   Final:   Catoosa 78   Fort Gibson 65   Fort Gibson Top Performers:   Cooper Hacket | Junior   Hackett came out of the gates on the attack, pouring in a quick 10 points in the first quarter. The junior kept his team in the game for large stretches with some tough finishes inside. His ability to dominate the glass on both ends was also huge for his team. With shots not falling as consistently from the outside, the big man went to work. He used his strength combined with great body positioning to corral 17 rebounds in total in this one. Hackett was whistled for high elbows creating offensive fouls but outside of these two plays, he was lights out for the majority of the game. The Tigers need to continue to get solid play inside from him along with their guards hitting on all cylinders if they want to advance deep in the postseason.   Ky Murrell | Junior   The junior attacked well in spurts, getting to the rim and either being fouled or converting over the top of the defense. Murrell hit two floaters, showing nice touch when things broke down offensively. The problem for the Tigers in this one was turnovers and the over-reliance on getting Hackett the ball inside. The Indians played passing lanes well and made post feeds hard because of their constant ball pressure on the perimeter.   Catoosa Top Performers   [player_tooltip player_id='2639479' first='Rodrick' last='Hall Jr.'] | Freshman   Hall has been producing at a high level recently and gives the Indians a legit lead guard that can score and handle the ball with the best of them. The lefty is crafty around the rim and can navigate around defenders with a beautiful euro step move. The freshman is tough to deal with in transition as well, his ability to handle the ball in traffic while also playing off two feet allows himself to play fast but also remain under control when finishing. Hall hit a huge 3-pointer in the second quarter to swing momentum and the lead back in favor of his team, in which they would not relinquish again. Hall poured in 28 points to lead the way for his team.   [player_tooltip player_id='2826100' first='AJ' last='Timmons'] | Senior   Timmons heled the Indians create separation early with his paly at both ends. The senior remains scrappy on defense and makes his impact known with his ability to dig down on post defenders and play in gaps. Offensively, he is great floor spacer that plays shot ready. With Hall finding him multiple times for open looks, this connection continues to get better. Timmons, Phillips and Hall pressured the ball well throughout the evening. The ability of this team to dig in on defense puts them squarely in the discussion with the favorites in the class.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140788' first='Ryder' last='Phillips'] | Junior   Phillips has been steady this year and last night was no different. His ability to see the court is something his team benefits from on a nightly basis. The junior always has his head up in transition and looks to push the ball ahead. He created a lot of easy baskets for others against the Tigers to help separate the two teams in the second half. Phillips may not play above the rim, but he does play under control and reads defenders well. As a scorer, he is at his best when he can catch and shoot on the perimeter. This team has a lot of shooting which will make them a tough matchup for any team in the postseason.

Friday night saw a bevy of strong matchups across the state. One game that many had their eyes on was Fort Gibson heading to Catoosa. With both teams highly ranked in Class 4A, you knew this one would end up telling us a lot about both teams. The Tigers had navigated a tougher schedule thus far, while the Indians were perfect on the season. The Indians forced a lot of turnovers and came up with the statement win they had been looking for.