2020 Preview: Southmoore (6A)
Tim Stogsdill (32nd yr.) not only has one of the longest tenures in Oklahoma basketball; but now has a senior-laden group consisting of eight varsity fourth-years. After a nail-biting, 2-point loss to Booker T. Washington in the 2019 semifinal game, Stogsdill…
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Continue ReadingTim Stogsdill (32nd yr.) not only has one of the longest tenures in Oklahoma basketball; but now has a senior-laden group consisting of eight varsity fourth-years. After a nail-biting, 2-point loss to Booker T. Washington in the 2019 semifinal game, Stogsdill has exhorted his experienced squad to tighten its defense.
Tim Stogsdill (middle)“Probably the big thing is,” Stogsdill said, “whatever lineup we have out there — whether it’s big or small — we’ve really focused on the defensive end.”
“Every day, when we look in the locker room, [the coaches] put the film up,” said senior Sam Godwin (6’9″ C), who signed to Division-I Wofford earlier this month.
“Reminds us that we were one possession away.”
Five seniors, in particular, began their conquest for a Gold Ball two years ago:
Godwin, Jordan Thompson (6’0″ PG), Steve Jackson (6’1″ PF), and Darrin Ryan (6’0″ SG); each of whom saw significant playing time in Southmoore’s devastating conclusion to its 2019 season.
Ryan and Godwin both arrived to the SaberCats in 2017, transferring to Cleveland Co. from Enid and Ada, respectively.
Steven JacksonAdding their talents to the tight ship ran by Thompson, who was a sophomore at the time; and Jackson, the “defensive glue of the team,” as Stogsdill credited him, made Southmoore one of the most touted squads in the state.
With the help of Damian Kline (5’10” Jr.), a shifty point guard who can lock down perimeter players, Southmoore improved from 10-16 in 2018 to 20-9 in 2019. Now boasting legitimate State Tournament experience, all of the SaberCats are locked in.
“This year, we’re trying to talk more on defense,” Thompson said, alluding to Stogsdill’s advocated defensive improvements. “We have it offensively to get back to the State Tournament, now it’s just defensive work.”
“My freshman year, Southmoore wasn’t known for basketball. To see it come up my senior year. . . I just want to bring a ring to the school for the first time.
“The mentality, coaches pushed us every day to become a state team,” Kline said.
Damian Kline during the 2019 Reynolds leagueThe comradely of the group is apparent when its members step on the hardwood. Kline and Jackson lead the ship on the defensive side of the ball, with Kline seamlessly stripping opposing ball-handlers and Jackson disrupting the paint and cleaning up the mess.
“Steve’s definitely, by far our best defender,” Stogsdill nodded.
Thompson the clear-cut leader of the group, made no small claim that the Southmoore offense is loaded with weaponry; Thompson, himself, is among the top shooters in the Oklahoma City metro.
Add Sam Godwin’s explosive talents in the post and Ryan’s reliable shooting talents, and opposing defenses are bound to be overloaded with the task.
“It’s way more aggressive here than it was,” Ryan said. “The locker room is just different — we’re all brothers and we stick together.”
The SaberCats only reloaded, as well.
Another transfer, Jlynn Counters (6’0″ Sr. G), joined the Cats following the 2019 season.
Sam Godwin (via Nate Billings | The Oklahoman)“With the addition of [Jlynn] once he learns and gets more comfortable, he’s going to be a big addition for us,” Stogsdill said.
Ryan Nealy (6’3″ Sr SF), a powerful swingman who can crash the rim, is also expected to boost his minutes in 2020, Stogsdill said.
The SaberCats open their quest for a title on December 3 at Edmond Memorial.
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