Biggest Takeaways: Dora vs Heritage Hall (OK)
Over the last eight years, the Ozark Mountain Shootout has become a household name amongst the best early season classic’s in Missouri, and this year’s field may very well be the best yet. The opening game on Thursday evening was…
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Continue ReadingOver the last eight years, the Ozark Mountain Shootout has become a household name amongst the best early season classic’s in Missouri, and this year’s field may very well be the best yet. The opening game on Thursday evening was a very intriguing match-up between Missouri’s top ranked Class 1 team from Dora and Oklahoma’s Class 4 #1 ranked Heritage Hall.
This game quickly became an instant classic. There was star-power, ties and lead changes, late game drama, and of course there was overtime. Despite lacking the depth, size, and overall talent of Heritage Hall, the Falcons from Dora went toe to toe with Goliath. They battled back from a late deficit for force overtime, where they eventually came away with a thrilling 65-60 upset victory. Here are our “Biggest Takeaways” from this exciting contest:
Put some RESPECT on Dora’s name!
The Falcons are the clear favorite in Class 1 this year, and that hype is well deserved. With that being said, it is time to start talking about Dora in the same conversation as some of the top teams in the state in any classification. They have been battle tested in the young season with impressive performances at the Tournament of Champions as well as here at the Ozark Mountain Shootout, and they have proven without a shadow of doubt that they can compete with and beat anyone on any given night. This team has a budding superstar in junior guard Isaac Haney that is surrounded by a scrappy, fundamentally sound supporting class that has played together for years and developed un-matched chemistry. Folks, the Dora Falcons are the real deal.
Isaac Haney is the biggest stock-riser in the state:
Isaac Haney is as pure of a scorer as there is in Missouri. Coming off a sophomore campaign where he averaged upwards of 30 points per contest, he has improved his overall game and continued to put up staggering numbers against the best competition in the region. Isaac is a lethal shooter who can pull up at any time, from anywhere, and needs little to know space to get off his shot. He moves tremendously well without the ball and knows how to free himself up for good looks. He attacks with purpose off the bounce and has an impressive combination of quickness and strength on his drives. He is an excellent teammate that sets guys up and gets them involved frequently. Haney scored 32 points, including several critical shots late in the game and in overtime to seal the huge win for Dora. Following the game, he received an offer from Missouri State.
Improved supporting cast raises the ceiling for Dora:
Sure, Isaac Haney is the straw that stirs the drink for Dora. However, a big reason for the Falcons’ early season success is an improved supporting cast that plays well together, is fundamentally sound, and fearless. Speaking of fearless, let’s start with 5’11 Jr Bryson Luna. He is a high motor wing that came up big last night with his hard-nosed drives to the basket. He did not match-up with the size and athleticism of Heritage Hall, but he took it right to them, sought out contact, and was able to convert in key moments. Mason Luna is another junior guard who is really turning into a nice player. He handled the ball with great poise against tough pressure and trapping the entire game. He takes strong angles to the rim on his drives and is a knock down catch and shoot threat from the outside. Dora is also anchored inside b 6’5 Jr Waylon Masters, who really impressed me last night. The long, lanky forward was instrumental in the win by being tough on the boards and challenging shots at the rim. He finished a number of dump-offs and knocked down a pair of critical mid-range jumpers.
Trey Alexander is as good as advertised:
Trey got off to a slow start and was actually held scoreless in the first quarter. However, after knocking down a mid-range jumper early in the second frame he caught fire and never looked back. His pull-up game from 12-16 is automatic, with good elevation and rotation on his shot. When he gets active defensively, his length is disruptive and allows him to get out in transition where he really excels. He nearly put Dora away single-handedly before a fourth quarter run by the Falcons, and eventually gave his team an opportunity for overtime with a clutch pull-up late in regulation. He is every bit worth the hype, and we are excited to see him in action again this evening.
Alexander isn’t the only reason Heritage Hall is highly-touted:
Heritage Hall is a really good team that has a strong nucleus around it’s star. Jack Spanier came up huge for the Chargers. He is strong with the ball and did a nice job navigating the Dora defense, and he knocked down at least four three-pointers. Phillip Smitherman is a physical specimen that must be commended for his defensive efforts. It appeared that Isaac Haney was going to completely takeover the game, until Smitherman began face-guarding him in the third quarter. He held Haney in check for an extended period of time, and that was a catalyst to a Heritage Hall run that gave them a fairly sizeable lead in that frame. Kenneth Daughty and Joe Washington are another pair that play with physicality, are tough around the rim, and willing to do the dirty work.
Shout out to the Falcon fans:
The Dora fans came out in full force. They were engaged, loud, and essentially created a 6th man type of atmosphere in a gym that isn’t their own. They also have their “super-fan”, and if you don’t know who I am talking about you just need to come see him for yourself. Well done, Dora.