Seven superlatives: Booker T. Washington versus Sapulpa
No. 1 Booker T. Washington defeated No. 17 Sapulpa 84-62 Thursday night behind big performances from Jalen Breath and Bryce Thompson. Upon evaluation of the game and careful review of my notes and stats, I awarded superlatives from the game…
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Continue ReadingNo. 1 Booker T. Washington defeated No. 17 Sapulpa 84-62 Thursday night behind big performances from Jalen Breath and Bryce Thompson. Upon evaluation of the game and careful review of my notes and stats, I awarded superlatives from the game for the most outstanding players from both teams. Players can be listed under more than one superlative.
Most valuable
Jalen Breath | 2020 C | Booker T. Washington
Jalen BreathThough he wasn’t the leading scorer on the night, he wasn’t far behind. Everything Jalen Breath accomplished on the floor Thursday night was — frankly — tremendously impressive and indicative of the improvements he has made to his game since last season. Finishing with 23 points in the Hornets’ win, Breath’s scoring almost came second-nature as a consequent of his rebounding, defending and even passing skills. Breath was more comfortable with the ball on the perimeter Thursday night than he had been in the past, and he was able to score almost at will in the paint as a benefit from his own rebounding.
Best shooter
Bryce Thompson | 2020 Combo | Booker T. Washington
Bryce ThompsonOklahoma No. 1 recruit and Kansas-signee Bryce Thompson loaded the stat-book Thursday evening without forcing his hand. He led all scorers with 27 points, yet it was a steady, efficient 28 points that turned heads. Thompson was able to accomplish a great scoring night while still leaving way for Breath to shine, a trait that has become more salient in Thompson’s game as he has grown. He makes his team better and rarely does anything to jeopardize its chances. Some naysayers are quick to object to Thompson’s status with claims that his star-studded team allows him to thrive. However, I would argue that the success of Thompsons’ teammates is only a consequent of his efficient play, allowing others to coexist and get a high share of the ball.
Best player in a loss
Hunter Hoggatt | 2020 SF | Sapulpa
Hunter HoggattDespite facing a big margin from the first quarter, Hunter Hoggatt put fort as valiant an effort as any for the Chieftains. Playing almost the entire game. Hoggatt took matters into his own hands Thursday night as he played just about every role on the floor. Most impressively, his passing capabilities were on full display as he spent more time with the ball at the top of the key than his colleagues. Hoggatt also scored the ball well, playing aggressively and confidently while under control. He shot particularly well out of the dribble and was unafraid to showcase his mid-range package — which has seen tremendous improvements.
Best underclassman
Ijai Johnson | 2022 SG | Booker T. Washington
Ijai Johnson shined in almost every arena of the game he had an active role. Johnson may be described as the “glue guy” in the Hornets’ rotation, as he can be seen as the glue that holds the unit together. Offensively, he is exceptionally efficient for an underclassman. He did a great job of taking smart shots, penetrating and drawing fouls Thursday night. Meanwhile, his defensive skills only surpass those of his offensive. Johnson is long, standing about 6-foot-2, but remains limber, agile and quick, allowing him to keep ball-handlers in front of him.
Best supporting cast
Kameron Parker | 2022 PG | Booker T. Washington
Kameron Parker, like his aforementioned counterpart, rounds out the starting Booker T. Washington lineup as one of its only two non-seniors. Still, Parker’s big play was apparent and uncommon among players his age. Overall, he displayed, perhaps, the most influential and all-around skill on the floor Thursday night. He only was able to score 5 points in the win, but he did an outstanding job moving the ball about his teammates, defending the ball and hawking-down opposing passes to put possession back in the Hornets’ favor. It seemed Thursday that any time Sapulpa was able to sneak a score against Booker T. Washington, the Hornets answered to erase any hope the Chieftains had of overcoming their daunting deficit; and it often felt like Parker’s passing skills were the causation of this success.
Most versatile scorer
Jackson Skipper | 2021 SF | Sapulpa
Jackson SkipperJackson Skipper continues to blossom into an outstanding prospect on both ends of the floor, but particularly in the arena of scoring. Skipper is a true three-level scorer, meaning that he can get a bucket with his back to the goal, create a mid-range shot and finish it or launch a long shot from beyond the arc. Skipper did all three Thursday night as he finished with 11 points in the loss. He displayed his explosive style of play, as well, even finishing a dunk to end the first half. The 6-foot-6-inch prospect will be one not-to-overlook as he shreds through his junior campaign.
Best on-foot
Kyrie V “Pineapple House” — Trey Phipps & Hunter Hoggatt
Kyrie V c/o solecollector.comAs a product of 1999, I’m just a sucker for Nike’s collaboration with Stephen Hillenburg’s surreal, avant-grade children’s cartoon, SpongeBob SquarePants (if you haven’t seen the show, you gotta check it out). Fight on, Generation Z’ers.
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