The Ten: Owasso vs Sand Springs
Owasso coasted to a twenty point victory against Sand Springs, 97-77. Jake Thompson 2018 Wing led the way with 29 explosive points for the Rams. Although it was a very rough night for Sand Springs the one positive was 2020 Wing Davon Richardson scoring 44 points on the night. Read our ten storylines from tonight’s matchup.
Rams Defense Sets the Tone
Owasso did a great job throughout the night to limit Sand Springs offensively. Early in the game, they brought in Josh Procter to guard Colt Savage. Procter did a great job limiting the touches and opportunities to score for Savage. Once Owasso was able to take Savage out of the game they had Sand Springs on the ropes. The defense of the Rams also led to several easy points for the Rams running out in transition.
Thompson Catches Fire
Jake Thompson channeled his inner Kobe Bryant on Friday night. The senior put on a show on both ends of the floor. He is the ultimate glue guy for the Rams bringing his team together with his heart, hustle and toughness on the floor. Thompson shot the ball lights out from three-point range. The most surprising play was the display of his athleticism at the rim with a big-time slam dunk. Thompson is picking the baseball route for college but before he begins his final season on the diamond he is doing everything he can to deliver Owasso a basketball title as well. It was fun to sit back and watch Thompson shoot on a night that felt like he could not miss. The defense and toughness are what Thompson is able to bring each night for the Rams. If Thompson can catch fire like he did on Friday night in the state tournament it could be the game that lifts Owasso deep in the playoffs.
Huge Game for Richardson
Sand Springs was led by Davon Richardson on the Wing with an astonishing 44 points. He scored at all three levels getting tough baskets in the paint with heavy contact, knocking down a couple shots from mid-range and catching fire from three-point range. Richardson has always had a great frame from his age at 6’3 with a strong build. It appears this season Richardson has taken a big step in his game. Sand Springs has found their go-to option for the future. On this night Richardson showed his ability to take over a game and light the scoreboard up. It was too late to close the gap against Owasso, however, it was fun to watch and get a glimpse into the future of Richardson. He projects to the NCAA Division I level. What level of Divison I will depend on how he continues to progress over the next two years. The performance Richardson had tonight was the best I have seen all year from a 2020 Oklahoma prospect.
Pomeroy is a Winner
Owasso 2019 5’10 Point Guard Seth Pomeroy was outstanding in the opening half for Owasso. He is quick off the dribble putting opponents in a panic to try and stay in front of him. One big thing that sticks out about his game is his high basketball IQ. Simply put, Pomeroy makes winning plays and is a huge reason for the Rams success. A crafty Point Guard with the skill set to score from all three levels, take good shots and know when to pass is a great way to describe Pomeroy offensively. He will be one of the top NCAA Division II recruits in the Oklahoma 2019 Class at Point Guard. He does not have the measurables that jump off the page, but when you sit and watch him, Pomeroy, instantly his will to win stands out. Whatever he can do to help his team win Pomeroy is going to do. He is the type of player that can impact a program way beyond the stat sheet.
Price a Name to Know from NAIA D2’s
Matthew Price is an intriguing 6’2 Point Guard for NAIA Division II programs to give a look in the 2018 Oklahoma Class. I can see him fitting in nicely at a place that could use an impact Combo Guard off the bench with the ability to create offense for himself and others. Price has matured a ton from a season ago, which is a good indicator that he will continue his rise in play at the next level. Sand Springs needs Price to be firing on all cylinders to have a shot to make the state tournament.
Procter is a Huge Addition to Owasso
Owasso was already having a good year and then Josh Procter joined the team after nursing an ankle injury from the gridiron. Procter gives the Rams versatility on the Wing to do a multitude of things on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Procter can take the opponents best player out of the game as he did tonight face guarding Savage for the majority of the game. He is not a liability on offense either because of his ability to stretch the floor with the three ball. Procter could be the piece that lifts Owasso into legitimate contention for the Class 6A Gold Ball.
Savage Must Find Ways to Score
Colt Savage was able to get to double-digits, but it was clear from the beginning of the game Owasso had his number. For Sand Springs to be a state tournament team Savage must find ways to score when teams throw everything they have at him to slow him down on the offensive end. When Savage was scoring tonight it was off of openings from running off of screens from teammates. Scoring is not what Savage necessarily has to do to help Sand Springs win. In situations such as tonight if Savage can draw the defense in and create for others it would help his team immensely. No matter what teams run against Savage he must be effective offensively for the Sandites to be successful.
Peterson Smart and Fearless
Owasso has done a great job of developing their young talent and setting them up to succeed. One of the greatest examples of a strong developing player is Hayden Peterson. From the Wing Peterson is a solid 6’2+ with sneaky athleticism and a smooth shooting stroke. He is a prospect in the 2019 Oklahoma Class for NCAA Division II programs to keep a close eye on this summer.
Montonati the Coach of the Year?
Brian Montonati has done a great job with this Owasso squad this season. He has his players bought into their roles on both ends of the floor. I have been very impressed with his ability to get the most out of his players this season. He has Owasso peaking at the right time of the year. He should be a candidate for Oklahoma Coach of the Year in my opinion.
Pomeroy Injured?
Owasso sent Pomeroy to get his injured wrist checked out during the second half of the game. The Rams got back good news with the X-Ray coming back negative. Pomeroy took a very hard fall that led to him landing on his wrist and wincing. He toughed it out, but the Rams very wisely played it smart and sent him to get it looked at further. Pomeroy is the engine behind the Owasso machine at Point Guard. The Rams need him to be healthy for their run at the Class 6A Gold Ball.
For more information email Matt@prephoops.com