Three Takeaways: Norman vs Norman North
In a battle for Norman, the Timberwolves held off the Norman Tigers 69-68 at the buzzer of the semifinals in the McGuinness Classic. Prep Hoops has three big things of note from the semifinal matchup.
White goes off
Juwan White 2018 Norman North Point Guard went crazy in the first half scoring 21 points. He was able to score at all three levels using his quickness to create openings. White finished with 29 points including a couple big baskets late. On defense White was able to poke the ball away for a few steals on the night. He is a prospect whose star is quickly rising in the Oklahoma 2018 Class. The offensive firepower of White makes him a guy NCAA Division II and JUCO programs should give a hard look.
Four-man band
Only four players scored for Norman North on Friday night. It was not a typical way for a team to win, but Juwan White, Jalen Crutchfield, Shemar Smith, and Brandis Fender scored all 69 points for the Timberwolves. It is something to keep an eye on as the Timberwolves will need scoring from other players especially off the bench. The trio of White, Crutchfield, and Smith scoring the basketball was impressive to watch. White does a good job creating for the other two with his quickness. Crutchfield is one of the best catch and shoot three-point guys I have seen in covering Oklahoma hoops for the last six years. Smith was huge in the second half being aggressive with the ball in the paint.
Mooreland has a big game
Bryce Mooreland is the primary facilitator for the Norman Tigers at Point Guard. Every now and then Mooreland shoots, but he is passive most of the time focusing on creating for his teammates. Friday night, Norman needed Mooreland to step up and score the ball, he delivered. Mooreland poured in 19 points and hit a huge and-one basket to give Norman the lead under a minute to go in the game. Mooreland is a 5’11 Point Guard that excels at creating for teammates and running the offense. If he can continue to score the ball this well and efficient Norman will be tough to beat.
For more information email Matt@prephoops.com