Class 6A: Unsung Heroes for Booker T Washington who have helped them advance to the State Championship
Booker T Washington defeated Southmoore 61-59 to advance to the 6A State Championship game. BTW is loaded with high profile stars but there are a few players who go unappreciated and who have been crucial in the Hornets run to…
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Continue ReadingBooker T Washington defeated Southmoore 61-59 to advance to the 6A State Championship game. BTW is loaded with high profile stars but there are a few players who go unappreciated and who have been crucial in the Hornets run to the championship game.
BTW may field the most talented team in the state let alone just 6A. There were coaches lined up on the sidelines to see these talented prospects up close.
The closer you focus on the makeup of the Hornets you realize they are not just some stacked AAU team but they have a bunch of quality pieces like Seth Hurd, Mike McHenry, and Christon Driver who excel in their roles.
One of those pieces is big man Hurd who dominated in the first round of the playoffs against Putnam City West. Hurd is the muscle for the Hornets and the majority of teams in the state can’t matchup with him.
Playing with two D1 guard prospects and a 6’8 junior big is fun and all but there are moments where a guy like Hurd may go under the radar. At 6’6, Hurd does all of the dirty work down low including rebounding, blocking shots, and scoring on the block. Its rare you find a talented big who is lowkey and just does his job at a high level.
Mike McHenry is the “3 and D” guy for the Hornets. In todays game you try to have as many two way players on the floor as possible. McHenry takes pride in his ability to knock down shots and lock down his assignment on the other end.
“Im the top defender on the team and I pride myself on defense,” McHenry said. “Im a basketball player so I feel like I can bring it on both ends of the floor.”
His intensity is infectious on the floor and he has been a big part of their success. Every night he has the responsibility to stop the top guy for the other team. He understands the situation him and his teammates are in as a unsung hero for a championship contending team but he understands his play will get him recognition.
“I might not always get the limelight but I have worked hard to show my talents and im here so you have to see me,” McHenry said.
Christon Driver is another feisty defender who comes off the bench and provides a lot of energy. He can come in and immediately picks up pace and makes the opposing point guard work on every possession. Driver adds some speed to a bigger team which can be a big x-factor in the game.
BTW is known for players like Bryce Thompson and Trey Phipps but BTW wouldn’t be 1-game from hoisting the gold ball without the contributions of Hurd, McHenry, and Driver.