East vs West: Union, Norman, Owasso Southmoore

The opening games of the 6A semifinals brought cross state match ups. Let's recap the players who shined at the Lloyd Noble Center to start off Class 6A State Tournament.   4:30 PM   OT   Norman 59   Union 50    For the longest time in the contest, it was Billingsley who had Norman on his back keeping them narrowly ahead, or close. Then with the clock ticking down on the game and his career, he dug deep and forced a steal. He went for the tie and narrowly missed, but a teammate was there to clean it up, eventually leading to an extra four minutes. The extra frame was all Tigers and Billingsley put a capper on a hot start with an fantastic And 1 finish. He's been a four year contributor and a face of the Tigers for the last two years now. His 26 points, 7 assists and 3 steals also means he's suit as a Tiger at least one more time.     The first 31 minutes and 30 seconds of Robinson's potentially last high school game were nothing to write home about. But when Norman needed it, he came up the biggest. Ran the floor to get a putbackt which brought them within one. Then seconds later, he scored an old fashion three point play that put the Tigers up 2. It was a good thing he had the nerves to hit the free throw as it was needed to force the extra frame.   In the extra frame, Robinson played with new life and energy. Finally getting on the glass, protecting the rim and giving it all to secure a win. When he plays like that, he's a game changer. He went from little production to having 8 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks. Major impact in a small spurt. Hopefully an example of things to come, with a semifinal tomorrow. And building into this fall when he starts his college career at UCO.     The one man wrecking crew for Union was his usual monstrous self in the middle. Going for 19 points and 15 rebounds. 8 of them of the offensive variety, as even if he misses the first look. Odds are he'll get it back and finish it the second time. With the season on the line, he took an extended post up and forced his way through two defenders to force overtime. In an age of space and finese, Flemons is such a switch up as he's powerful and agile on the block. Could potentially impact immediately at Drake as a change of pace option on the block.      6:00 PM   Owasso 63   Southmoore 48    Montonati was on the glass early and even with a double digit lead in the second half, was still seen doing the little things on the defensive end. There was one little stretch where he pick pocketed a sloppy dribble, then another where he got onto the floor for a loose ball first.   While he connected on some on his trademark triples in the first half, he ran a little cold in the second half. That didn't deter him, as he started to take advantage of Southmoore's defense over playing. And went to the rack more on his way to a 22 point, 11 rebound double double.   Seeing his combo of doing the little things more on defense and doing more off the dribble on offense are good signs for Owasso's title hopes this week. And Montonati's long term success at Oklahoma State.     Since scrimmage season, Williams' senior season has been defined by his improved confidence as a scorer. He got the Rams going with impressive off the dribble shot making. Hitting from deep and the mid-range. While he cooled off after the good start, he stayed his steady and poised self on defense. And bringing the winning experience that comes with being a four year starter.     Chaves is a great combo of athleticism and motor. One second he'll be seen battling for for a putback. The next, with a chase down block. Offensively he's a vertical threat around the rim and can attack open gaps with quick and athletic drives. He had a very productive junior season taking multiple steps forward. In this game, he went for 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks. While there are raw aspects to his game; his combination of production, motor and athleticism are usually good traits to bet on long term.     After a slow start as the center of attention on defense, Pogi did catch fire from deep to provide a bit of show. His ability to pull up off the dribble and often from well beyond the arc makes him a must watch prospect. Finished with 20 points after a fourth quarter flurry.   While a bitter ending to the season, riding the roller coaster of the season and reaching State is a very good accomplishment. Now the focus on Pogi will turn to a pivotal 17U year against national level competition.

The opening games of the 6A semifinals brought cross state match ups. Let's recap the players who shined at the Lloyd Noble Center to start off Class 6A State Tournament.