District Championship Scouting, plus Moore-Southmoore

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A look at the District Championship games won by Bridge Creek, Heritage Hall, and Kingston. Along with a bitterly fought rivalry contest between Moore and Southmoore that closeed out their regular seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Games Watched</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heritage Hall 55 Star Spencer 37</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bridge Creek 73 Purcell 61 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kingston 58 Atoka 37</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore 63 Southmoore 60</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":"","_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_0_evaluation":"On a team full of three point bombers, the senior is the ringleader who rains fire from three while also applying pressure on the rim.  He's a long strider, with good end to end speed. That allows him to push it in transition, where he's just as likely to kick it out to a teammate as score himself. Ojeda's personal range extends well beyond the high school line, as he hit one that might as well had been shot in the Purcell coaching box.  Along with his shooting repertoire, he generally plays controlled and seems to have a high basketball IQ.   A rare mistake came with about 45 seconds left in the first half, when he took a deep off the dribble three that was also a rare miss. Perhaps he was trying to replicated a 2 for 1 at the next level?  A better example of clock management came to end the third quarter, when he went coast to coast that capped a big run by the Bobcats that gave them control heading into the fourth quarter.rnrnBridge Creek has the shooting ability to make a run to the State Tournament, especially with the shot making and overall steadying play Ojeda provides.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1807978"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Kingston's size advantage was too much for Atoka on the night and it started with the presence of the gigantic senior big man.  He pairs his ability to easily cover ground as a smart defender that leans on verticality over trying to block every shot.  That timing and understanding was also apparent a couple times where he was left on an island vs guards. He didn't panic, he moved his feet and forced misses without fouling.  On the offensive end with his teammates raining threes all night it was a quieter night.  He did step out and nail a three, which also picking up the scraps and doing some damage around the rim.rnrnThis is the third viewing of Cason this year, and once again it feels like there's some major untapped potential. The biggest play that pointed to came in the second half.  He was the release valve near the three point line while Atoka was pressuring his teammates. Cason caught a pass, put it on the deck and was quickly at the rim. The senior finished through contact but didn't get the rim rattling slam that would've went viral. It was still an impressive sign of his ceiling remaining high because he's a plus athlete for a player of his height.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1293618"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"One of the impressive aspects of Holiman's game was how he adjusted to how the defense played him.  There was a stretch in the first half where he was getting swallowed up by swarms of defenders on drives. Leading to a couple turnovers, shortly after making that note the next note on Holiman was u0022Nice slip passu0022 as he handed out an nice dime.  From that point forward, he turned into a quality playmaker, taking advantage of the extra attention paid to him. Often slipping passes through the arms of defenders and setting up his teammates with easy looks near the rim.  It's the type of heady awareness that's needed for smaller guards to survive at the next level.rnrnAlong with his distribution, Holiman does look quick and stronger with his first step as a straight line driver. He can really get to the rim in transition opportunities, where he's taking contact better. Which earns him u0022And 1u0022 opportunities.  In the half court, Kingston's huge zone forced him into deeper threes and it wasn't his best shooting night but did hit one smooth looking step back three.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1475986"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Freeman's first step often gave him an edge against the waves of pressure that Bridge Creek applied on him. There's times it looked like the defenders were in good positions, but if Freeman is even with a defender, he's leaving.  He continues to be a very good finisher for a smaller guard, but also has some moments of being a potential teammate elevator with his unselfish passing.  The junior rifled it out to shooters and tried to fit tight window passes to teammates around the rim.  One of the more advanced passing moves came when it looked like he would go into a shot form 15-18 feet out. But instead he dropped a pinpoint bounce pass to a wide open cutting teammate. Freeman rightfully takes a lot of shots of his own creation, especially with the way he pushes it, but him keeping an eye on the bigger picture of being a point guard is a good longterm sign.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d18bca5781a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1295711"],"_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_0_evaluation":"The Chargers started the playoffs strong behind their two sport standout, Smith.  The star WR clearly doesn't want his basketball career to come to an end, anytime soon. He scored in just about every way possible. Deep catch and shoot threes over the Bobcats' zone. Finding the soft spots in the middle of the zone to hit in the mid-range or slash to the basket. And exciting plays in transition. The senior even took a charge on the defensive end, to cap off a complete performance.  Heritage Hall only won 7 game this regular season, but played one of the toughest schedules in 3A.  Perhaps the battle tested Chargers could be one of the tougher outs in 3A over the next couple of weekends?","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["2352732"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Williams is a promising freshman who's future likely is on the perimeter, but was more than willing to be battle around the basket for the Chargers.  He was on the active on the glass, where his long arms make him an effective offensive rebounder and finisher.  The freshman also worked hard as part of Heritage Hall's pressure defense, creating transition opportunities for himself and his teammates.  Williams' jumper wasn't falling in this viewing, but the fact that the freshman battled through that and played to size was a great longterm sign for this intriguing prospect.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1367226"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"The senior recently broke 1,000 career points but on Friday it was his impressive defensive abilities that shined the most.  Sure, he got a couple nice blocks (including a chasedown) but for any fan of u0022one on oneu0022 defensive basketball, Grant provided a fun show.  He knows how to use his plus wingspan and strong frame to stay in front of and make life difficult for smaller guards.  It's fun to watch a prospect pride himself on defense. When needed, he picked his spots to score. Including banging a three late in the fourth that helped extend the lead and kept the Southmoore comeback attempt at bay.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1293624"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"The senior experience of Moore was a difference maker on Friday night and that included Walter's relentless driving.  He was quick and showed a variety of finishing moves, including reverse layups where he used the rim to protect the ball from defenders.  The Lions have been one of the hottest teammates in Oklahoma and with Walter applying pressure at the rim, it's easy to see how they run deep and win often.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1978000"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Another senior playing a big part in Moore's success.  The big man has become a force on the low block, carving out space with ease. With a soft touch that means once he gets the ball on the block against smaller foes, the scorekeeper might as well put two points on the board.  In an area of spaced out basketball, Bortey is a great counter punch for the Lions and their Gold Ball dreams.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1552339"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"While having watched a few different full games of Brammer over the last two years, this was the first viewing where he was locked in from three. The highlights and stats from other games, indicated he's a plus shooter but the selection of games watched had painted more of a skilled, patience scorer in the mid-range and at the rim.  He connected on at least four threes against Moore, including one big time pull up three. A lot of his moves seem to predicated on lulling the defense to sleep, with pumpfakes and fadeways. This pull up make was a more violent, quicker move that will be needed when playing at higher levels. Along with the barrage of threes, the sophomore hit in his usually variety in the mid-range and continue to improve as a passer on drives.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["2352734"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"The senior was a consistent battler for Star Spencer in their game against Heritage Hall.  Gilliam flashed some athleticism with a couple of quicker drives and a very athletic offensive rebound putback.  He often was pulling from deep, which his off dribbles missed. But when set, he did deliver on a pair of corner threes.  The Bobcats will have to battle through the consolation bracket in the Class 3A Regionals, and if they are to survive to Area, it will likely be due to Gilliam being too quick for many of the small town teams they'll likely play.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["1987391"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"One of the best compliments that can be paid to Williams is that he works hard to produce easy points. From crashing the offensive glass, cutting in the half-court and impressively sprinting hard and being the first man down the court, he racked up the u0022easy pointsu0022.  He also had a couple tough finishes late in the game during a fourth quarter comeback attempt.  In 2024, playing hard is a skill and Williams continues to pass that mark with flying colors.  There is one noticeable area of improvement to his high motor game. There's a time and place for tap outs to teammates, but more often for athletic players, just grab the ball. Especially on the defensive end.  And there was a couple times where it looked like Williams was high enough in the air that he could've just snagged the ball instead of tap outs to no one.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["2135005"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"The sticking point with the freshman is how smooth he looks with the ball in his hands.  There's very little wasted motion in his movements in the mid-range, as he drilled baseline jumpers and hit from around the free throw line as well.  It looks like he's going to develop into a glider type athlete, who's able to avoid contact when getting to his spots.  Ankrah also has great shot selection for a youngster, as he was fine starting the game in a spot up role from three. Then grew into attacking in the mid-range as his confidence grew.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["2047075"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"Atoka's other standout lead guard fits into more of a scoring role than Holiman.  He's like an one cut and go running back, with the way he shifts and gets downhill.  He shot it a bit better from three but he too struggled against the large, extended zone defense of Kingston. Some of his better success came in transition, rather pushing it himself or running to spots to set up for three.  He reports a recent offer from Copiah-Lincoln in Mississippi, which it's possible to see how Shields could thrive in an up-tempo JuCo style.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d13dafde7c8"} /-->