Tulsa Celtics Seek & Find another Hardwood Championship

Celtics Timeout during Championship game;
Coach makes sure everyone is on same page.

Tulsa Celtics
The Celtics linked together four straight victories to sweep the Hardwood FALL FASTBREAK FESTIVAL September 16th and 17th, 2006 at Central HS and the ORU Aerobic Center.

This weekend's CELTIC squad consisted of Stevie Smith, Alan Santos & Brock Morton representing the Dutch of Holland Hall HS; Nick Harris from Booker T. Washington; Matt Reynolds and Tyler Thalken were on loan from the Bishop Kelley Comets; Corey Shannon showed why he likes being a TIGER from Broken Arrow HS; and Evin Washington took some time off from the UNION HS football team to represent the REDSKINS. [Rumor has it that Evin was having withdrawals from the three consecutive losses the Redskin football team had suffered & desperately needed the taste of victory!]

The Celtics had a tough opener against the seasoned Jenks Trojans. We utilized a box and one on super sophomore Bryce Pope of the Trojans. Corey Shannon played the role of defensive STOPPER, the way he has for years, and really frustrated the 6 ft 6" Trojan dandy, as he shut the Pope down for most of the game. Strong inside play by Smith & Harris and a balanced scoring attack paved the way to the 2nd round.

Next up for the Celtics was the Bounty Hunters; the athletic but undersized Bounty Hunters held tough until the Celtics finally overpowered the smaller Hunters with smothering defense and efficacious 3 point shooting. Morton's three consecutive 2nd half 3 pointers all but knocked the Bounty boys into the losers bracket. Harris' consistent rebounding and superb defensive post play by Thalken repeatedly thwarted the Hunters of any chance to climb back into the game.

The Celtics faced off with the Central Braves as the last two undefeated teams in the winners bracket. The defending State Champion Braves held control throughout the first half with athletic and sharp shooting post man Wayne Jackson knocking down mid range shots with regularity. But the Celtics surged back in the 2nd half after Santos and Washington entered the game, and Smith and Harris made key baskets to help the Celtics fight back from a 7 point deficit to even the game at 47-47. Although the Celtics had chances to seal the game in regulation, it took an overtime to finally dispel the talented Braves 64-62, and advance to Sunday's championship game. Morton's free throw made it 64-62 in the last 10 seconds and a 40 ft heave by the Braves missed at the buzzer to send the Celtics into the championship.

Thalken, Smith and Harris had very impressive performances in all four games in their inaugural appearance on the Celtics. Although smaller than their Jenks and Central opponents, they made up for their lack of size in many areas. Thalken's surprising leaping ability, and heady defensive post play created turnovers or steals and multiple rebounds; Thalken provided timely scoring for the balanced Celtic attack. Harris' consistent inside play helped him tally many points inside, and showed that he fit the Celtic "team" concept with adroit passes that created easy points while notching valuable assists to his stat line; Smith's creative drives to the hole, 3 point shooting ability, and key 2nd half rebounds in the championship game while nursing a very tender and sore leg provided necessary ingredients to help the Celtics win the first place medals.

Corey Shannon and Matt Reynolds played key roles. Both tenacious defenders, Shannon performed yeomans work on Central's best scoring threat,virtually eliminating him from their offense, and frustrated the gifted Brave in both battles. The Brave's excellent 3 point shooter ended the champioinship game with 2 points as Shannon's quickness and determination coupled with his experience at frustrating high scoring opponents again showed why his "Defensive STOPPER" label is still intact.

Reynolds provided point guard leadership against incredibly quick and tough defenders to create scoring opportunities for himself and others. Reynolds toughness enabled him to garner important loose balls, and his physical sparring with Central's talented Jackson at the high post definitely impacted Mr. Jackson's 2nd half performance.

Santos provided solid leadership and keyed the first Brave defeat as he and Washington spearheaded the CELTIC comeback in the 2nd half. Washington adapted to the hardcourt surprisingly well while focusing on football during this time of year.

The Braves began the championship game like the previous meeting and held a 6 point lead at halftime. But the Celtics teamwork, defensive tenacity and desire proved too much for the Braves and the Celtics walked away with the Championship tilt 49-42.

It was a rewarding team victory, and eight talented high school young men made it happen. Congratulations! All of them have bright futures on Oklahoma area hardcourts.





2006 Hardwood Fall Fastbreak Champions, High School Division.
Smith (HH), Harris (BTW), Santos (HH), Thalken (BK), Morton (HH), Reynolds (BK), Shannon (BA) & Washington (Union)...... provide another CELTIC Championship~