Ozark Mountain Shootout: What We Learned About Kickapoo
The Ozark Mountain Shootout is annually one of the best events the state has to offer and this year was no exception. No team was challenged more this weekend than the Kickapoo Chiefs. Friday night, they battled but eventually fell…
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Continue ReadingThe Ozark Mountain Shootout is annually one of the best events the state has to offer and this year was no exception. No team was challenged more this weekend than the Kickapoo Chiefs. Friday night, they battled but eventually fell to North Little Rock, who by all accounts is the best team in the state of Arkansas. Then, less than 24 hours later they went toe to toe with a Tulsa Memorial team loaded with high major talent, and the Chiefs stole a 54-50 victory. The progress between the two games was undeniable. Here is what we learned about the Chiefs at the Ozark Mountain Shootout.
Sophomore G Anton Brookshire IS Special
The 6’1 sophomore checks in at #3 in our ’21 Missouri rankings, and he may have a case for the top spot before it’s all said and done. He currently holds offers from Missouri State, UNLV, and Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and you can rest assured the Power 5’s will soon come calling. The highly touted guard put on a show Friday night, almost single-handedly keeping the Chiefs in the game. He erupted for 30 points against an elite North Little Rock squad, highlighted by 7 three-pointers and got the crowd going with an array of impressive blow-by moves off the dribble. On Saturday, the Chiefs took on Tulsa Memorial who boasts a pair of Oklahoma State signees along with several other talented, athletic players. After a slow start, Anton willed his team to a huge early season victory. He was fearless attacking the lane and finishing a smooth floater over the trees and knocking down a clutch pull-up jumper over a defender who had at least 6 inches on him. He also showed off his range once again, burying a DEEP triple late in the third quarter and handled the ball with poise down the stretch against the press and trap. He can also get it done on the defensive end as he was named to the Ozark Conference All-Defensive team last year as a freshman. Anton has takeover ability and as long as he is in the game Kickapoo will always have a chance.
Senior F David Senn Should Own the Paint in the Ozark Conference
The Chiefs’ 6’8 senior big man has an imposing frame and showed over the weekend that if he asserts himself the rest of the Ozark Conference will have to pay him admission if they want to get in the paint. Although he is quite mobile for his size, it was David’s physicality that caused problems for the more athletic teams Kickapoo faced at the Ozark Mountain Shootout. He is a brick wall that sets man-sized screens, boxes out with authority, and is a load on the boards on either end of the floor. He had a number of impressive blocks and altered shots against his high-flying opponents and showed a refreshing level of energy and hustle every second he was on the floor. The big fella can score it too! The lefty is strong over his right shoulder and showed very nice touch with the jump hook highlighted by an impressive drop step and finish over Tulsa Memorial’s 6’9 Big 12 signee. Perhaps the highlight of the weekend came Saturday with the Chiefs leading by 1 late in the game against Tulsa Memorial. David positioned himself for a drop off on a drive and threw down a thunderous two-handed jam to extend the lead to 3 and effectively end the game.
Senior G Tanner Oetting is the Glue
It’s fair to say that this was not Tanner’s best weekend in terms of putting the ball in the basket, but the stat sheet does not always tell the full story. The 6’2 senior is a clear leader for his team and is the straw that stirs the drink for the Chiefs. He plays an old school game that starts with bringing 110% effort to everything he does. The high motor guard certainly can score it. He led the team with 14.4 ppg last season. He has a tight crossover dribble and with his strong build can duck his head and attack the rim effectively. He has a quick trigger with good elevation on his jumper and when he is feeling it is a knock-down catch and shoot threat from deep. This weekend, however, it was the little things he did that helped Kickapoo to a huge victory. He dug his heels in and aggressively defended 6’7 Oklahoma State commit Keylan Boone. He frustrated the athletic forward, contributed to his foul trouble, and was the key to keeping him to only 4 points for the game. He was constantly on the floor for loose balls and looking for opportunities to take charges. He was poised and under control down the stretch handling the ball against an aggressive run and jump press to seal the victory for the Chiefs.
6’0 So G Cameron Liggans Elevated His Stock
Kickapoo is unlikely to be challenged this season over a 24 hour period more than they were this weekend. Although the Chiefs have some star power, they needed, and will continue to need, other guys to step up for them on the offensive end. Cameron was impressive in both games. He drained three 3-pointers Friday night against North Little Rock and elevated his game even further against Tulsa Memorial. He poured in 14 huge points for the Chiefs, including two more triples and two impressive floaters over the top of Tulsa Memorial’s impressive front line.
The Chiefs Have Potential to be Stifling Defensively
Facing two very talented, athletic, high-octane offenses over the weekend, Kickapoo showed for stretches that they can sit down and defend at an elite level. Outside of a rough 3rd quarter Friday night, they were able to eliminate transition opportunities and were suffocating in the half-court. At times, the Chiefs showed shades of a Dick Bennett coached team with their pack-line defense and completely shut down the driving lanes against teams featuring some high profile slashers. If they can maintain that energy and team commitment on the defensive end consistently, they will be a tough out this season.