The Breakdown: Tahlequah Sequoyah vs Hilldale
The underdogs in Hilldale came out and gave Tahlequah Sequoyah everything they could handle. Hilldale led for most of the game, but their inexperience in big games proved to handicap them as they fell to the Indians late 51-45.
The Comeback
Tahlequah Sequoyah was heavily favored as they took on Hilldale in the High School Hoops Showcase. However, Hilldale took it to them early and showed they will not be taken lightly. The Hornets jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first and forced the Indians to play their best in the second half to have a chance. Sequoyah did just that though. They started chipping away at the Indian’s lead late in the first half and cut the deficit to 6 at the half. Then in the second half it took all the way until the fourth quarter for the Indians to take the lead. Hilldale could not be put away quietly as they closed the advantage Sequoyah had in the fourth to two points with just over a minute left. Sequoyah finished the game strong and pulled away with the victory.
Bobby Cade 2018 Tahlequah Sequoyah Guard
Cade was vital in the comeback for Sequoyah. When the rest of the team was getting visibly frustrated by what they perceived as missed calls by the officiating crew. Cade kept his composure and kept going to work. Hilldale tried to keep Cade quiet and did a decent job compared to some of his recent performances, but Cade still had a big impact on the game. They played him tight and rough, but Cade played through. Cade finished the game with 13 points on the day.
Blaine Garner 2019 Tahlequah Sequoyah Wing
Garner is probably the best pure shooter that Sequoyah has and he proved it today. He was quiet in the first half being held to one 3-pointer in the first half. He exploded in the second half and was pivotal in the comeback. He showed an impressive ability at all levels to finish and was the leading scorer in the game. He finished the game with 20 points and was perfect from the charity stripe going 4-4.
Adam Saine 2018 Tahlequah Sequoyah Post
Saine was not his usual self in the game against Hilldale. He struggled from the court to find his rhythm. He was in foul trouble for parts of the game, which limited him, and he finished with only 4 points. If the Indians are wanting to make a run deep into state they will need Saine to shake this game off and continue to perform at the level he had been.
Tre Mitchell 2018 Hilldale Guard
Mitchell was the difference maker for Hilldale. He was the reason that Hilldale built their first half lead. Mitchell was showing great vision and finding his teammates on shots they could not miss. Mitchell would drive and draw the double and dish down low for the easy two. Mitchell may not have been big in the points department, but he was huge in facilitating the offense and finding the open man. Mitchell will be key to the Hornet if they want any chance in having a good postseason.