Five Takeaways from Deer Creek versus Mustang
Deer Creek rode a big 27-13 fourth quarter run to defeat Mustang 60-46. The Antlers played with great execution on both ends to improve to 8-2. Here are the top five takeaways from the 6A matchup: Deer Creek is one…
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Continue ReadingDeer Creek rode a big 27-13 fourth quarter run to defeat Mustang 60-46. The Antlers played with great execution on both ends to improve to 8-2. Here are the top five takeaways from the 6A matchup:
Deer Creek is one of the better passing teams in the state
The Antlers run a player friendly offense that allows for creativity and pace. Its always fun to see a team at the high school level who has five guys on the court who can pass, dribble, and shoot. However, passing seems to be Deer Creek’s elite skill.
Players like Jerry Tullis, Miles Slater, and others have been key in creating a environment where passing is contagious and fun.
Tullis is one of the most impressive passers I have seen at this level. One play he drove to his left to the paint and when the defense collapse he flipped the ball back over his head and found a shooter on the move. He made passes that require a certain level of basketball IQ to make or even attempt.
Miles Slater’s defense is an underrated part of his game
Slater is a 5’8 guard with quick feet and who has a feel for getting his hands on the ball in some way or another. Slater was consistently coming up with deflections which allowed for DC to get out on the break which is when they are at their best.
Slater’s did not get going until the fourth quarter but was doing a good job on the defensive end which payed off for him in the 4th quarter as the Antlers went on a huge run which was spearheaded by the senior guard.
Raul Nunez is a tough lefty to stay in front of
The score of the game doesn’t indicate how Mustang competed for three quarters and Nunez was a big part. The lefty point guard kept the pressure on the DC defense. He isn’t a shooter but he did knock down a three to make the defense respect his perimeter game.
Nunez did a good job of coming off of ball screens with a change of pace which opened up some opportunities around the rim.
Mustang got a full team effort and they were only down by two heading into the 4th. Nunez was key in part of Mustang hanging tough with a top ten ranked team in 6A and he will be a prospect to keep an eye on going forward.
Jake Hayward is a tough high school matchup
Some of the toughest guys to guard are not who you always imagine being a difficult guy to guard. Hayward is a 6’3 forward with the body of a linebacker but he also can shoot the ball and he has a go-to move in the post.
Guys with those type of tools seem to always have success at the high school level. His size allows him to move players out of the way when he makes a strong move going up.
He really hurt Mustang from deep because the Broncos had their 5 man stay around the rim which allowed the Hayward to rome around the perimeter and light it up.
For DC to reach it’s potential, Hayward needs to play at a high level. If he can do so then the Antlers may create some unexpected results when playoff time comes around.
Jalyn Todd and Turner Suchy bring the athleticism for DC
The Antlers have a bunch of solid skill guys on the floor but what has given DC a boost so far this season is the athleticism of Todd and Suchy.
Tood is a bouncy forward who can don’t most opportunities around the rim which gives his talented passers confidence to drop it off to him with no hesitation. The junior forward did a good job of blocking shots and on offense he continued to move with the penetration and made himself available.
Suchy is a talented wing who can also get up vertically and finish over his counterparts on the fast break. He used his athleticism to force some turnovers and get his team off and running.
DC has a nice balance of skill and athleticism now which has allowed them to get off to a great start at 8-2 overall.
Photo Credit: Drew Harmon/Edmond Sun