TOC: The Ten Best Midwest City vs Tulsa Memorial
The Midwest City Bombers got a huge win over Tulsa Memorial in the first semifinal at the Tournament of Champions. Midwest City played excellent defense with a balanced offensive attack. The Bombers used a huge run in the third quarter to take a double-digit lead late. Once the Bombers had the lead they took the air out of the ball.
The Ten Best…
MVP: Derrick Walter Jr. Midwest City 2018 Wing (Signed to Oklahoma Christian)
Derrick Walter Jr. does not jump off the page when you look at his stats for the game with 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. However, Walter played the biggest role in the game taking on the role of Guarding 6’8 Kalib Boone in the paint. Yes, Walter was undersized, but he did a great job of holding his own. He showed toughness and the will to win. Walter also hit a key three-point late in the game to halt Tulsa Memorial.
Offensive Player of the Game: JD Ray Midwest City 2019 Point Guard
Ray was dynamic at the Point Guard spot scoring 15 points and dishing 6 assists. It was not his most efficient night shooting the basketball but he found ways to put points on the board. Ray is a small undersized Point Guard that continues to stand out with his ability to create offensive not just for himself but also his teammates. Ray will be a big pick up for the NCAA Division II program that lands him in the 2019 Class. He has that gamer mentality in him. The bigger the moment the better he plays.
Defensive Player of the Game: Midwest City
Walter was the primary guy that guarded Boone in the paint, but it was not just him. The Bombers did a great job of getting in the passing lanes and reeking havoc. When Boone got the ball most of the time they doubled forcing a turnover or a pass out of the paint. Midwest City had a great game plan defensively and executed it perfectly.
Coaching Move: Midwest City holding the ball
I hate when teams hold the ball and try to run out the time late in games. With that said if you can be successful and take time off the clock without committing turnovers, it makes all the sense in the world. The Bombers did just that running the clock off effectively in the fourth quarter. Give credit to Coach Bradley for having his team prepared for the moment.
Who was clutch?: Christian Cook Midwest City 2019 Wing
When the Bombers took a big lead in the third quarter it was largely due to the three-point shooting of Cook. He hit big shot after big shot for Midwest City down the stretch. Cook is starting to thrive in his role as the spark plug for Midwest City from behind the arc. He ended up with 10 points clutch points on the night.
Tulsa Memorial Bright Spot: Keylan Boone Tulsa Memorial 2019 Wing
Boone had a big night for Tulsa Memorial keeping them in the game with a game-high 18 points on 7-12 shooting. He has always had good potential with his 6’5 height, long wingspan, and athleticism. This year we are starting to see production from Boone. He shot the ball really well from behind the arc for Tulsa Memorial. Boone is rising rapidly in the Oklahoma 2019 Class.
Biggest play: Walker buzzer beater
Juwan Walker sent Midwest City to halftime up by 2 with a big three-pointer at the buzzer. He is not normally counted on to score a bunch for Midwest City. Thursday night Walker stepped up big helping Midwest City to the win with 9 points.
Best part of the atmosphere: The Benches
Both Midwest City and Tulsa Memorial were locked in on Thursday. Not just on the court but also on the bench as well. It does wonders for a team when everyone had their head in the game with the bench cheering on their guys on the court.
What is next?
Midwest City will play in the Championship at 8:30 pm on Friday.
Tulsa Memorial will play in the 3rd place game at 5:30 pm on Friday.
For more information email Matt@prephoops.com