Weekend Action: Eufaula vs. Muldrow

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two teams faced off in the title game of the Crossroads Classic on Friday. This contest featured one of the best comebacks we have seen this season. Eufaula came in ranked #9 in 3A, while Muldrow entered as the #18 team in Class 4A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first half belonged to Muldrow, who forced countless turnovers and really made Eufaula uncomfortable on the offensive end. The Wildcats led by six at the break. The final two periods could not have been more stark in contrast. Muldrow began to press, leading to layups at the other end. The Wildcats continued to build momentum, leading by thirteen heading into the final quarter. Eufaula put on the pressure with a full-court press. A furious rally from the Ironheads saw the lead erased with just a few minutes left in the quarter. Eufaula wanted this game more down the stretch, playing with more intensity and really ramping up their defensive play. They mixed defenses and continued to press, forcing Muldrow into countless turnovers. The Bulldogs seemed to be playing “not to lose”, while the Ironheds were playing to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Final:</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Eufaula 60</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Muldrow 53</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Eufaula Top Performers</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jentry James | Guard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James led the way for the Ironheads. A major piece in the historic comeback, he would not be denied in the final quarter of play. James had multiple hustle plays to keep possessions alive for his team. He came up with an offensive rebound and a steal in the final period to continue to cut into the deficit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior could not miss from anywhere on the floor. He converted both inside and outside to claw his team back in. James hit a big 3-pointer to go up by 2 points with just under two minutes to go. He also hit his free throw opportunities down the stretch to put the game to bed. In total, James piled up 16 fourth quarter points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rreon Morrow | Guard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The sophomore scored eight points in the second half, including a 3-pointer to close the third and another to open the fourth. He also showed good court vision, breaking down the defense and making the “right pass” on multiple occasions. One of those was a dish to James in which he converted to cut the lead to just five mid-way through the last quarter. If Morrow can continue to make his open long-range shots to go with his play-making ability with the ball in his hands, look for his club to reach new heights as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Muldrow Top Performers</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552376' first='Teaguen' last='Collins'] | Guard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a tale of two halves for Collins. Seemingly the best player on the court in the first half, he was taken completely out of rhythm in the second half. The senior was all over the court early, forcing turnovers and handling the ball well in transition. Collins converted multiple opportunities around the rim and showed everyone his dynamic athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the second half, Collins lost confidence, missing some shots around the rim that he usually converts. The Eufaula defense sped up the Muldrow guards when the game got close. The Bulldogs will need him to get back to his confident ways, as he makes their team much better when he is the number one option.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DJ Massey | Guard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Massey handled the ball well in this one and worked hard to help keep his team in it late. The junior was not only the primary ball handler but also took on the scoring load. He drove past the defense to hit a right-handed runner, giving his team the lead back with 2:07 left before hitting a wing 3-pointer to keep his team close in the final minute. Massey plays with a great motor and continues to show the heart and hustle his team need. He is constantly putting his body in the line for his squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552347' first='Parker' last='Sevenstar'] | Center</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior could be an x-factor for his team as the season continues. Sevenstar has the size to create mismatches on a nightly basis inside. His ability to rebound at a high rate on both ends is something this team can continue to build on. Sevenstar showed an ability to finish with nice touch around the rim against the Ironheads. If this team is going to reach their potential, he will need to play well and contribute at a high level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Moving Forward:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Muldrow @ Roland, Tuesday, 7:30 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eufaula @ Henryetta, Tuesday, 6:00 PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->