Del City win another & more from McGuinness Classic

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Del City 61 Edmond Sante Fe 52</strong></p> <p>Del City’s hot streak continues. The win tonight makes it seven straight for then top ranked team in Class 5A. It was once again the size and athleticism from junior duo of [player_tooltip player_id="981287" first="Terry" last="McMorris"] (23 points) and [player_tooltip player_id="1068562" first="Brandon" last="Garrison"] (21 points) that separated the Eagles from their foe. Simply put, few (if any) teams in Oklahoma can match up with the duo around the basket. Which leads to blocks and steals on the defensive end, while second chance points and relentless drives that lead to scores and free throw trips on the offensive end.</p> <p>Edmond Santa Fe rallied in the final frame, as they were able to rattle Del City’s guards. The Wolves cut the lead to as small as five, before clutch free throw shooting from McMorris and Garrison helped them cement the victory. For Edmond Santa Fe it was still a productive weekend, especially with an Edlam victory over rivals Edmond Memorial. But it was Del City that claimed the top prize and keep the momentum rolling as then top ranked Class 5A squad. </p> <p><strong>Players to Know</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="981287" first="Terry" last="McMorris"]</strong></p> <p>Tournament MVP [player_tooltip player_id="981287" first="Terry" last="McMorris"] is an amazing example of embracing and excelling his role. Right now he dominates and impacts the game as a high energy player. The transition dunks are crowd pleasers and hints at his big time potential. But he’s also willing to do the dirty work that makes those slam opportunities possible. On the night he did a lot of his offensive damage at the free throw line. In the second half alone, he took 16 shots from the charity stripe. McMorris converted 11 of those attempts, so there’s room to work but still a good sign that he was confident to keep going back to the line and take crucial shots for Del City. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1068562" first="Brandon" last="Garrison"]</strong></p> <p>The 21 points were nice, but the biggest impact Garrison left on the court were his shot blocking ability and passing. On defense he routinely made the paint a no fly zone for the Wolves. Then his ability as a passer helps keep the offense flowing in the halfcourt. When doubled, he’s a good passer to cutters or open shooters. His passing ability was also crucial in the high post. With guard play sometimes shaky for Del City, this big’s man ability to create for others with his passing is crucial. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Edmond Memorial 57 Norman North 53 (OT)</strong></p> <p>After an off night in Memorial’s loss, senior [player_tooltip player_id="954194" first="JV" last="Seat"] bounced back in a huge way for the Bulldogs. Not only was he back to being an efficient primary scorer (jumpers and bully ball scores at the rim) he won a few defensive possessions against [player_tooltip player_id="955382" first="Kevin" last="Overton"]. At one point it looked like the play of Seat, especially in the third quarter, would lead to the Bulldogs running away from it. But Norman North was able to turn up the pressure in the final frame, and force OT. It was Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id="965255" first="Jeremiah" last="Johnson"] getting to the rim to tie the game and complete the comeback. In the extra frame, Seat stepped back up, attacking the basket and drawing fouls to regain the lead and the third place finish at the McGuinness Classic.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Norman 53 Choctaw 48</strong></p> <p>Norman’s balanced attack was too much for the young Yellowjackets. Promising sophomore Trashaun Combs-Pierce (10 points) joined junior [player_tooltip player_id="1172758" first="Caison" last="Cole"] (11 points ) in double figures to lead the way for the Tigers. Choctaw showed life in the final frame, thanks to a flurry of three pointers from budding tough shot making extraordinaire Ja’Mon Valentine. The sophomore has microwave scoring qualities and turned a quiet outing into a game high 16 points as he attempted to rally his Yellowjackets. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Deer Creek 76 Bishop McGuinness 49</strong></p> <p>Four different Antlers scored in double figures in a start to finish dominating performance. Senior Max Harma scored 14, sophomore Hudson Linsenmeyer chipped in with 11, Derrick Baker was again in double figures with 10 and senior [player_tooltip player_id="1295677" first="Camden" last="Laskie"] led the way with 16. Many of Laskie’s points came in the big second quarter when Deer Creek built their huge lead. The strong forward was a fiery force around the rim for the Antlers and helped set the tone for Deer Creek. Which ensured they ended the weekend on a high note. </p>