Five Takeaways: Lawton Ike vs Tulsa Memorial
Tulsa Memorial held off Lawton Ike despite 37 points from Antonio Gordon. Lawton Ike trailed by double-digits for the majority of the first half. However, the Eagles came out of the locker room on a mission. Lawton Ike stormed all the way back to get within three points late. Tulsa Memorial was led by Kalib Boone with 21 points. It should also be noted RJ Fisher starting Lawton Ike Point Guard was on a recruiting visit for Football at Air Force.
Missing Fisher
Lawton Ike missed Fisher running the offense at Point Guard. In the first half, it was evident the offense for the Eagles was out of sync without Fisher. Give a ton of credit to the coaching staff at Lawton Ike for a great second half adjustment. The Eagles came out of the locker room with great energy, toughness, and fight. The Eagles fought valiantly without their senior leader, but make no mistake they will gladly have Fisher back upon return from Air Force. We should also include congrats to Fisher for committing to Air Force to play Quarterback.
Gordon rising quickly
Antonio Gordon was a player Prep Hoops identified this past summer as a prospect that had the chance to develop into an NCAA Division I prospect. He has been one of the most improved players in Oklahoma this winter. The work Gordon put in the offseason is paying off. Gordon is a clear-cut NCAA Division I prospect. Prep Hoops projects Gordon to the Mid Major NCAA Division I level with his size at 6’8 and ability to stretch the floor with a reliable jumper. Gordon made his 37 points look easy doing it against two prospects that just received offers from Oklahoma State. Gordon is not just all offense either. He blocked and adjusted shots all night. The thing that will separate Gordon from other prospects is his constant fight to get every rebound. Colleges do yourself a favor and get Gordon on your radar.
Walker is clutch late
Shemar Walker is a little guy out on the court at Point Guard for Tulsa Memorial. Don’t let that fool you, the kid has game. Down the stretch, Walker was very clutch for Tulsa Memorial controlling the offense. He hit huge shots and free throws down the stretch. Tulsa Memorial is very fortunate to have a guard as trustworthy as Walker. He was excellent at creating for others tonight. Walker also did a good job of finishing around the rim. He is going to be a good player for a small college at the next level.
See you at state
This game had the atmosphere and feel of a state tournament game. I fully expect both teams to be in the semifinals at the Class 5A state tournament in March. Who knows maybe they will matchup in the state tournament at some point. The biggest thing we learned is that Lawton Ike belongs in the conversation with the other top three teams in Class 5A. Tulsa Memorial also showed a lot of leadership towards the end being able to hold off the momentum of the Lawton Ike comeback. This would be a fun game to see again with even higher stakes on the line.
Boone twins continue to impress
Kalib and Keylan Boone did not have their best games of the season on Saturday but were very solid. Solid for those two is double-double territory, which tells you a little bit about how good they can be. Tulsa Memorial has unleashed the aggressiveness of the Boone bothers, which has taken their game to another level. Oklahoma State offered both of the twins recently expect that to be the first of many offers before their senior season at Tulsa Memorial.
Extra Note: Craig Webb 2019 Tulsa Memorial Point Guard
Webb had a huge night finding open teammates off the dribble. He is getting better at creating offense not just for himself, but also his teammates. Webb is a player for small colleges to keep an eye on.
For more information email Matt@prephoops.com