Team Preview: Broken Arrow (6A)
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Coach Beau Wallace is looking to lead the Broken Arrow Tigers to a State Tournament berth for the first time since 2018. “We probably have seven guys that have started for us, and they’re all returning,” Wallace said, “so it’s…
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Continue ReadingCoach Beau Wallace is looking to lead the Broken Arrow Tigers to a State Tournament berth for the first time since 2018.
“We probably have seven guys that have started for us, and they’re all returning,” Wallace said, “so it’s nice to have a lot of leadership and they understand what I want from them, and I don’t have to say very much to them.”
Anthony Allen Anthony Allen 6'5" | SF Broken Arrow | 2022 State OK , a junior forward, pairs with senior Jaiell Talley Jaiell Talley 6'4" | PF Broken Arrow | 2021 State OK , who is occupied with the Tigers’ run for a football title, to combine for a powerful one-two punch in the interior.
“Allen and Talley just rebound the ball for us,” Wallace said, “I mean, I think Talley had almost 200 rebounds last year, and Anthony was second with about 98.”
Ian Golden Ian Golden 6'1" | PG East Central | 2021 State OK , meanwhile, also returns for a senior season with the Tigers in a facilitatory role.
“Ian is just that guy who makes plays for everybody,” Wallace said. “Ian’s gonna create offense for a lot of people.
Seniors George McCurdy George McCurdy 6'2" | PG Broken Arrow | 2021 State OK and Tyler Pinder Tyler Pinder 6'2" | PG Broken Arrow | 2021 State OK , a pair of versatile scoring guards, round out the starting rotation for Broken Arrow. Wallace said both have made great improvements.
“Pinder’s really shooting it well, George is becoming one of those floor leaders and understanding how to pick his spots,” Wallace said.
Another key returning piece is center Jared Barnes Jared Barnes 6'3" | SF Broken Arrow | 2021 State OK , an explosive and humble forward.
“Jared does all the dirty stuff,” Wallace said, “so he’s always gonna be in the right position, blocking out, jumping on loose balls, getting on the floor.”
Simon Blair Simon Blair 6'7" | C Broken Arrow | 2021 State OK , who also played significant minutes at the five, will return for a senior season at Broken Arrow, as well.
“[Blair] is another big kid inside that just does a good job of kinda clogging up the middle a little bit,” Wallace said.
Aaron Johnson Aaron Johnson 6'3" | CG Broken Arrow | 2022 State OK , a junior guard with remarkable versatility, can play and defend the one-through-four, Wallace said. He saw limited minutes in his sophomore season, but will be a mainstay in the rotation, Wallace said.
“Aaron has really grown up,” Wallace said. “He’s got a kinda chip on his shoulder ’cause he probably felt like he should’ve played more last year, and I felt like I should have played him a little more.
Ethan Ellison, an impressive and sizable forward, and Connor Dow, a talented sharpshooter with high expectations, are both talented young players who will provide depth for the Tigers as the season progresses, Wallace said.
Wallace said rebounding will be a major factor in the Tigers’ success.
“I think that’s the biggest thing,” Wallace said, “defensive rebounding as a group with our guards is really our focal point.”
Wallace also cited staying in the plus-margin in turnovers as a primary focus to the Tigers.
“I think every team is gonna tell you they gotta take care of the ball,” Wallace said, “not turning the ball over in crucial situations.”