Five takeaways: Sapulpa vs. Sand Springs
The game lived up to the hype. In this Top 20 Matchup, both teams exchanged shots at each other as the game was back and forth all night long. Sapulpa had the edge for much of the first half, but Sand Springs kept the game close. In the second the Sandites took off. They took their game to another level and ended up winning this rivalry 73-64 in what was an entertaining game.
1. What a Savage!
Colt Savage 2018 Sand Springs Combo Guard had a monster game against Sapulpa in the Top 20 matchup. Savage played a really good game on both sides of the ball. For much of the game, Savage played lockdown defense against some very dangerous Sapulpa players. Savage was also a beast on the offensive side of the ball. He constantly hit tough shots over Sapulpa defenders and could not be stopped. Savages finished the game with a double-double. He had 28 points and 10 boards. Savage has good size for a Guard and is a player that looks to have a huge year for the Sandites.
2. Julian Smith taking on leadership role
Julian Smith 2019 Sapulpa Combo Guard had a huge offensive performance in the first half against the Sandites. He scored 15 points in the first half and finished the game with 22. Smith shot the ball well from the perimeter and showed some smooth handles. Smith struggled in the fourth quarter after showing signs of cramping. Smith ended up fouling out late in the game, but he played well until his cramps. Smith is a good player and showed a High basketball IQ playing much of the game in foul trouble.
3. Under the Radar
Cole Durkee 2019 Sand Springs Wing had himself a game. Anyone watching might not have noticed his contributions to the game as he played a quiet game. Offensively he had a big first quarter with 7 points, but was not again on the scoresheet until the fourth quarter. Although people may not have noticed, Durkee ended up with a double-double, 11 points 10 rebounds. He showed a lot of poise hitting all of his free throws late in the game.
4. Sand Springs Size
In this Top 20 matchup, Sand Springs had an obvious size advantage. A lot thanks to Savage, 6’5, who was able to play in the paint as well as from the perimeter. Only one of the Sandites players that saw the court is listed under 6 foot and he was a freshman, Cason Savage. The Sandites used their advantage to dominate on the boards and their length helped them on the defensive side of the ball.
5. A good Durant in Oklahoma?
Although many Oklahoman despise the name Durant for obvious reasons, the town of Sapulpa might grow to love it. A bright spot on the night after a disappointing loss was Jacoby Durant 2019 Combo Guard. Durant scored the ball well on all three levels tonight finishing with 16 points. He used his speed to blow by defenders and showed how fast can be. He made some big shots throughout the game and will be a player to keep an eye on in the 2019 class.