The Wheat Capital Tournament: First Round Analysis

The Wheat Capital Tournament kicked off the first round with four matchups yesterday. A full day of games in Enid provided an inside look into some programs and players that made for some compelling stories and performances. As the cream continues to rise to the top, look for Friday's slate of games to provide even more storylines.   Kingfisher 59   Cushing 44   Player of the Game: [player_tooltip player_id='1552334' first='Hayes' last='White'], Kingfisher   The Yellowjackets used a strong third quarter to separate from the Tigers. Mike Easley got off to a great start with two quick buckets in the first quarter to provide a spark for Kingfisher. [player_tooltip player_id='1552334' first='Hayes' last='White'] was the best player on the floor, providing consistent outside shooting and scoring at-will in the third quarter. The senior hit three 3-pointers in the middle two quarters that allowed his team to really stretch the lead. If the 6'2” guard can continue to hit from deep to compliment his ability to drive and play through contact, look for Kingfisher to have a chance to continue to advance in the tournament.   Heritage Hall 88   Alva 30   Player of the Game: [player_tooltip player_id='2140723' first='Braelon' last='Bradshaw'], Heritage Hall   Alva started the game strong with some solid play on both ends from Trace Hamilton. However, the Chargers really started to stretch the lead through the scoring of both [player_tooltip player_id='2140723' first='Braelon' last='Bradshaw'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2140785' first='Porter' last='Gillispie'], who combined for 14 points in the first quarter. The defense also began to tighten as Heritage Hall forced turnover after turnover, allowing Alva to score just eight combined points in the second and third quarters. The full-court pressure was the difference in this one as the Heritage Hall guards were active all game long. Gillispie handled the ball and attacked the rim in the open court consistently while also finding teammates in transition. Bradshaw was dominant inside, converting shot after shot while owning the boards in this one. The ability for the Chargers to get out and run is something that sets them apart from any other team in this tournament.   Jones 76   Woodward 65   Player of the Game: Acyn Hansen, Jones   This one was back and forth for much of the evening as Jones did not pull away until the final couple of minutes. Acyn Hansen helped keep Jones in the game early on with an attacking mindset. He continually found his way past defenders and into the paint, drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. Carlos Hardeman showed a strong combination of versatility and length. Hardeman showed his athleticism on the glass and had some explosive moves that led to finishes around opponents inside. The 6'3” senior will be a key for this team as he can guard multiple positions defensively. If the Longhorns can get sustained rebounding sand activity on both ends from him, look for them to continue to play well. As for Woodward, they have a lot of positives they can take from this one. Not only did they get off to a fast start, but Cole Reid really flourished for the Bombers. The junior has a sweet mid-range stroke and can also handle the ball. He pushed the ball in transition and navigated through defenders to create fastbreak buckets for his team. His ability to play aggressively on both ends spurs activity in others on his team. His leadership and activity will be something the Bombers can look to as the season rolls on.   Chisholm 106   Perry 73   Player of the Game: [player_tooltip player_id='2823611' first='Cooper' last='Westfahl'], Chisholm   Chisholm raced out to a 37-11 lead after one quarter. Six different Longhorns scored four or more points in the first quarter. [player_tooltip player_id='2823611' first='Cooper' last='Westfahl'] and Noah Jackson led the way, scoring 17 and 11 respectively in the first two periods. Chisholm scored at least 20 points in every quarter in this one. Jackson was extremely active around the rim and securing rebounds in this one. The junior has a unique skill set as he can handle the ball, find teammates and cut to the basket on the offensive end. Coming off a 21-point performance against Newkirk, [player_tooltip player_id='2402867' first='Teshon' last='Medlock'] continued to be aggressive as well for Chisholm. On the offensive end, he found teammates for easy baskets and put pressure on the defense with his mid-range jumper. Look for this team to continue to provide pressure on back courts as they can throw a lot of bodies out there to stay fresh defensively. They are at their best when they can get out in transition for easy baskets and then set their defense.   Semifinals:   Heritage Hall vs. Jones, Friday, 4:40 PM   Chisholm vs. Kingfisher, Friday, 7:20 PM   Consolation Bracket:   Alva vs. Woodward, Friday, 11:20 AM   Perry vs. Cushing, Friday, 2:00 PM

The Wheat Capital Tournament kicked off the first round with four matchups yesterday. A full day of games in Enid provided an inside look into some programs and players that made for some compelling stories and performances. As the cream continues to rise to the top, look for Friday's slate of games to provide even more storylines.