The 10 Best: Webster at McLain
It was a slow start for both teams in the opening quarter of play. However, the tables turned in the second quarter with each finding their rhythm. The matchup everyone came to see David Ward matched up against Kamron Brice was a fun one to see.
Right before half momentum shifted with McLain battling back to trail only by just four at the end of the second quarter. In the second half, Webster grabbed a lead and held onto it until the closing moments of the game. Choas broke out in the final minute of the game with McLain storming back to tie the contest. Ward answered with a great assist to freshman Anthony Pritchard for the victory at the buzzer.
Webster defeated McLain 62-60 with 20 points from Ward and 18 points from Pritchard.
MVP: David Ward Webster Webster 2018 Wing
Ward did it all for Webster on both ends of the floor. He played spectacular running the offense and manning the middle on defense. Whatever Webster needed, Ward provided. What was most impressive with Ward is his growth in the knowledge of the game. He has clearly matured, which is a scary thought for other Class 4A opponents. Ward has always been talented with good height and frame. If Tuesday night was any indicator, Ward is starting to put it all together. He was a great calm leader for Webster. Early on in his career, Ward would get into foul trouble and frustration would set in. Back then he was quite the opposite of a leader. Tuesday, Ward left that in the past playing smart on defense and leading his young team to a big victory on the road over McLain.
Best offensive performance: Kamron Brice McLain 2018 Wing
Brice is a long 6’5, lanky, athletic Wing with a bunch of upside. He got off to a slow start being a little passive in the first half. But that changed in the third quarter as he attacked the basket leading to several baskets and a couple of impressive slam dunks. The three-point shot of Brice struggled to find the bottom of the net until late in the game when McLain needed it the most. Brice as the definition of clutch nailing the tieing three-pointer on the move with just 4.7 seconds remaining. He might be the top JUCO prospect in Oklahoma considering his upside, height and build. The length of Brice allowed him to rise for his shot above defenders, impact the game on both ends and finish well around the rim.
Best defensive performance: David Ward Webster 2018 Wing
Ward did it all for Webster on both ends of the floor. Defensively, what Ward was able to do manning the middle was very impressive. He dominated the boards all night starting the fast break for Webster. When McLain drove to the basket he was there to meet them causing them to adjust and blocking many shots. Early in his career, Ward fell into foul trouble but tonight he showed his maturity defending without getting in a ton of foul trouble.
Best coaching decision: Webster running the offense through David Ward
David Ward is clearly the best player on the Webster roster. The coaching staff has placed full trust in Ward to run every part of the offense. It paid off late in the game with Ward finding the open man hitting Pritchard for a basket as the buzzer sounded. If they can continue to put Ward is great spots to run the offense this Webster team will be tough to beat.
Best intangibles: Tre Jones McLain 2018 Point Guard
Jones was impressive showing his bag of many talents at the Point Guard spot for McLain. He is a very quick small Guard that plays with his heart on his sleeve. He thrived on Tuesday night driving to the basket to create openings for teammates and good looks at the basket for himself. Jones found his jumper late in the game, which was a huge help in the McLain comeback. Every winning team has a player like Jones that plays with toughness and heart on the floor. He seems to be the heart of this McLain squad.
Best aspect of the environment: The McLain Band
The McLain band kept the environment rocking all night. They brought the noise and got the crowd into the game.
Best play: Webster Buzzer Beater
Webster wins tonight on a thrilling buzzer-beater over McLain 62-60. #PrepHoops pic.twitter.com/t6rTCPG4ZC
— Prep Hoops Oklahoma (@PrepHoopsOK) November 22, 2017
Best underclassman: Anthony Pritchard Webster 2021 Point Guard
The young Point Guard did not back down from the moment all night long bringing everything he had to the floor. Pritchard was feisty driving fearlessly to the basket. Most of his points came from transition looks at the basket. Pritchard did not have a ton of success from downtown with his jumper however he has a good-looking jump shot. As the game continued Pritchard found his jumper from mid-range. There is no question Pritchard has some talent. It will be fun to watch him grow over his high school career. He ended the night with 18 points and the game-winning bucket as the buzzer sounded. This is just the start for Pritchard.
For more information email Matt@prephoops.com