Top Ten Clash: El Reno vs Coweta
What did we learn from the top ten Class 5A clash on Thursday night? Can El Reno and Coweta compete for the Class 5A Gold Ball? Who played well? Get all of that and more below!
Biggest Takeaway: El Reno still has talent
El Reno lost several key members of their program last year starting with their head coach and Callen Haydon. However, after the game on Thursday night, it was very clear they have not fallen off the face of the Earth. The Indians are led by the duo of Dyson Plumley and Elijah Durham. They are not as talented from a year ago but have not taken a huge step back. The Indians looked like a state tournament team in Class 5A.
Second Biggest Takeaway: Coweta has fight
Coweta trailed by nearly 10 points early in the first quarter. El Reno came out from the tip of the game and figuratively punched them in the mouth. Cowed responded to close out the first quarter and kept responding throughout the game. Braden Norris and Andrew Keathley played extremely well in the second half. Coweta has the look of a Class 5A state tournament team.
Can Coweta or El Reno compete for the Gold Ball in Class 5A?
I don’t think Coweta or El Reno is on the same level as the top five in Class 5A (Booker T. Washington, Lawton Ike, NW Classen, Carl Albert, and Tulsa Memorial). However, I do expect them to be the last couple of teams in the state tournament. The biggest reason why I don’t see them being legit contenders for the Gold Ball is having to go through three straight teams that are more talented than them. I do think they could make a first-round upset.
What decided the game?
In the end, Coweta could have given up too many offensive rebounds that led to second-chance opportunities for El Reno. The Indians gave Coweta a chance to tie at the end of regulation, but the shot fell short at the buzzer.
This was the best game of the day.
For more information email Matt@prephoops.com