Wednesday ReWind: Tough Eagles Soars and the Generals' Statement

The main event of the December 9th slate in Oklahoma was an early district match up with long term implications. Newcastle visited Del City. At times, the game had the signs of an early season contest that was stuck a bit in the mud. But the second half proved lively. With Del City making all the plays down the stretch to take early pole position in District 5A-1. At least until the Eagles close out their pre holiday schedule with a trip to up start district foe Classen SAS on December 19th.   The second game covered was a bit of a shocker when the score came out. US Grant was known to be improved team, with returnees from last year and an injection of talent. Still, it was a bit of a surprise when they led wire to wire over Southmoore. Which lead to a watch back of the game this afternoon on their Hudl. The Generals jumped on top early. And then had a response for every Sabercat comeback attempt. US Grant thrived by living at the rim and getting to the line. While also often winning the 50-50 balls via long rebounds and loose balls. Often from deflections they caused. Class 6A-2 District is already filled with fireworks, and it's only December. Can't wait to see what the late January, early February stretch run brings for that district.      Newcomer to the Eagles, providing a spark on both ends of the court. Gets up and aggressively guards, hounding ballhandlers and looking for turnover opportunities. Had promising spurts on offense, including a late triple. But his main offensive gift is his ability to pressure the rim. Quick first step with an unpredictable driving style gives him an edge on drives. Even made some nice feeds on those drives, leading to easy scores for teammates. Athletic, jack of all trades guards, who fits well with his new squad.     The football star is important glue for the Eagles. He's already played a lot of basketball after starting the past two years for first El Reno then Del City. There were some signs of football rust but his savviness was still vital for the win. Knows the spots to attack against zone, then plays unselfish and tough basketball. Helped bring the toughness down the stretch to pull out the win.     Speedy guard, Shaw led the way with a team high 15 points. A blur in transition, he had crucial scores to salt away the game. One of the areas he worked on over the summer was his shooting. That was evident with a couple deeper threes he hit during the summer. The Eagles need a zone buster and floor spacer, it looks like Shaw could play that pivotal role as they look to continue their state tournament tradition under their new coach.     Anytime Grant need a tough bucket, it was often the junior who delivered. Slicing through the defense with tough finishes at the rim. Some of it was pure power. Also can hit spin moves and looks to be working on his footworks with pump fakes and step throughs. Hit enough from deep to be respect, including a big late three. Was one of the primary hustlers for long rebounds or hustling in transition for follow up opportunities. Gritty guard, with a battler mentality.     Hankins was the man at the controls of the Generals' win. Got downhill with the purpose of not only scoring himself, but getting paint touches and setting up his teammates. Played heads up, unselfish basketball. Impressed in the fourth when he correctly read the way the defense played a pick and roll. He whipped an one handed pass cross court to an open teammate for a 3 that put them up 10. Should continue to grow and thrive in his role as a table setter for his upstart team.     Murchison first caught the eye when he hit a deep three late in the first to cap a run and force a timeout from the opposition. Despite the timeout, he wasn't cooled off as he was flying around and causing havoc on defense immediately out of the break. He helped trapped and forced a steal. He kept that energy and athleticism going throughout the contest. Popping up with key rebounds and deflections late. While forcing steals and even showing the explosiveness to block a shot as well.     In the loss it was a career high 44 points for Pogi. With the Sabercats chasing all game, it was on the junior to keep finding ways to score. He got to the rim at will, but for a player of his high standards he could've finished better. Yes, it's a tall order to say a player should've hit 50, but that was in the range of outcomes for the Sabercat.   There was one moment where it actually felt like he took over. When they went down 10 in the fourth, he scored 7 straight. Was decisive getting to the rim and hit a nasty pull up three in between those drives. For his progression to continue, those are the type of moments Pogi will need to extend. The target is on his back but the skillset is there for Pogi to continue to produce even while targeted by the opposition.     The athletic hybrid forward prospect has been the main man for Newcastle in the games watched. Consistently all over the rims with big time slams. Put in spots where he can attack out of the high post. Then has the finesse and power to either score acrobatic layups or dunk it with authority. While Tuesday was a bump in the road, this young senior season Williams is finally having his production match the high potential level he's displayed since his 15U summer. Including a team high 22 points in the loss.

The main event of the December 9th slate in Oklahoma was an early district match up with long term implications. Newcastle visited Del City. At times, the game had the signs of an early season contest that was stuck a bit in the mud. But the second half proved lively. With Del City making all the plays down the stretch to take early pole position in District 5A-1. At least until the Eagles close out their pre holiday schedule with a trip to up start district foe Classen SAS on December 19th.