State Tournament Clinching Performances

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A rundown of top players who over the weekend helped their teams to this week's State Tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2327106"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69aeff61ea748"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The OU football commit was the center of attention over the weekend after he received two technicals fouls in the Tigers' Friday night loss to Mount Saint Mary. The rules dictate that players must miss a game following two technicals, however the OSSAA rescinded the second tech. Giving Hackett a second chance. He took advantage of that second opportunity by dominating the contest and punching Fort Gibson' ticket to state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As always he was a major rim deterrent on the block. While being an unstoppable force on offense. Once he got deep position and the ball, it was often an automatic two points. Even if he had to clean up his own miss. Hackett likely would be a mid major quality basketball recruit. But his future is on Saturdays and possibly Sundays in the Fall. For now in a wide open Class 4A field, Fort Gibson had a chance to win it all because of the big fellow. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1552391"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69af1cbfb1e0c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This weekend Denson became the all time leading scorer for one of the most prestigious programs in Oklahoma. And while the individual accolade is nice, he also accomplished a bigger team achievement. Another State Tournament appearance. He's been a mainstay for three straight State Tournament teams now. Which is remarkable as he was a big part of their worst to first turnaround from his freshman season to a State Championship as a sophomore. The Class 5A state tournament is loaded this year, but with a scorer like Denson the Bombers will always have a shot to add to their legendary trophy case. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2677148"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69aeff61ea7e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After a setback last week, Wewoka had to run the gauntlet of three wins in three games. Stephens delivered during all three stages, including a monstrous 46 points, 7 rebound, 5 steals game in the Area consolation finals on Saturday night. Impressively it came against 3rd ranked and recent mainstay at the State Tournament, Pocola. Stephens' performance made it a leave no doubt type of game, as the Tigers won 87-68. The Tigers have a rich tradition with 5 state titles (last in 2016) and now 27 State Tournament appearances. Stephens is already writing his name along the past greats as he's a 1,000 point scorer after only two seasons. With fellow sophomore LD Woods, who had 26 points and 10 rebounds vs Pocola, this looks to be the start of a special run for Wewoka. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2921044"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69aeff61ea858"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The freshman has an impressive highs this season and Friday night might've been the highest. Even on a team filled with talented juniors, it was Young who produced the points to send the Chargers back to the state tournament. He's been streaky as a shot maker at this year, but when he's on like Friday night there's a special feel to his scoring. And now he's blazing his own path. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For about a decade, the Chargers were a main stay in the State Tournament, but this is the first appearance since 2022. During that previous run, they won the title in 2018 thanks to a freshman named Trey Alexander. It was a stunning upset over a highly regarded Kingfisher team, could lightning strike twice with a new freshman leading the way?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140742"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69af1cbfb1e9d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nash entered high school as a quick guard, with a flashy game. Now as his junior year comes to a close, he's one of the most complete producers in the state. In a tough loss to rivals BTW he still put together a full stat line of 15 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds and 7 steals. Then he took it up a notch in a win or go home victory over McAlester. In that one, Nash went for 23 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds and 4 steals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The junior guard is an advantage creator in transition, pushing the tempo with a fast but controlled playing style. In the halfcourt, he's a good shooter from distance, with a fantastic mid-range game when ran off the line. Expect Nash to keep showing up in the biggest moments for the Cardinals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140800"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69af1cbfb1ee5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The two game Area numbers for Pogi are as always impressive, with averages of 31 points, 5 assists and 4.5 rebounds from those two games. He's a complete scorer with likely the best all around bag of dribble moves and shooting ability in the state. The scoring production is rightfully what draws the attention. And makes him a nationally regarded recruit. But it wasn't a score by Pogi that punched the Sabercats' ticket to state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After a pair of Choctaw free throws put Southmoore down one in the final minute, Pogi went to work. He dribbled around a double team, drew in help defenders and made the winning pass to his teammate Chaves at the rim. That's the type of smart winning play that will help the junior separate from other elite scorers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1552392"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69af1cbfb1f29"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mount Saint Mary might be the hottest team in Oklahoma. In back to back games they won double OT contests against two top 5 Class 4A teams. On Friday night in Seminole it was Pedulla providing the magic. He went for 22 points and handed out 6 assists with only 1 turnover. He also proved his clutch bonafides when he drilled a deep pull three to force the first overtime. With how Pedulla and company are playing, look for more magical moments from him and the Rockets this week. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->