December 21st 2007 HOT LIST

Grabbed this from this website:
http://www.coachesaid.com/story.asp?story=43

The site has free content, but premium memberships are $5.95 per month. They have twice weekly updates on their rankings,,,,, and I believe that is part of the FREE content.

{Celtic players are in green}
December 21
Oklahoma High School:BOYS BASKETBALL

Lane Adams, Red OakA regular on the list, the junior guard continues to dominate. Scored 32 points in an impressive win over 2A Savanna and followed that up with 49 in a 90-49 win over McCurtain.

Rotnei Clarke, VerdigrisSinglehandedly outscored Berryhill with 43 points in a 74-42 romp.

Robert Crawford, Victory Chr.Posted 25 points, 10 rebounds as Victory continued its undefeated start cruising past Okmulgee.

Brandon Goff, Tulsa McLainSenior sharpshooter pumped in 28 points against Tulsa Rogers.

Kolin Jones, EarlsboroKnocked down 26 points in a pasting of Moss to continue the Wildcats' resurgence.

Josh Jones, RoffErupted for 30 points and 10 rebounds, sparking a big 57-41 thumping of 2A Slo.

Ronnell Lewis, DewarAthletic catalyst posted a season-high 33 points in a 75-62 win against Henryetta-Wilson.

Ryan McClure, CyrilThe sophomore erupted for a career-best 33 points in a 62-59 overtime loss to Sterling.

Brock Morton, Holland Hall Bagged MVP honors of the Sperry Tournament while leading the Dutch to the championship with 82 points and nearly 30 rebounds in three games.

Chris O'Brien, Bishop KelleyExploded for 33 points as the Comets moved to 6-0 with a triumph against Tulsa Central.

Keiton Page, PawneeNearly outscored Woodland by himself with a 41-point outburst in the Bears' 105-41 rout (and he came out before the end of the third quarter). The OSU signee hit on 7 of 13 from 3-point range.

Dalen Qualls, StratfordFreshman was a virtual one-man wrecking crew with 31 points, 13 rebounds and seven steals against Davis.

Matt Qualls, TahlequahDespite being double- and triple-teamed, the junior center scored his 1,000th varsity point in a 65-36 win over Catoosa. Qualls is averaging 23.8 points and 13.5 rebounds on the season.

Devan Rineheart, GoreSophomore standout ignited the attack with 33 points in an overtime victory against Okay.

Chris Walters, SoutheastNotched a game-high 27 points as the Spartans finally opened the season with a win.

GIRLS BASKETBALLCaitlin Cawhorn, Cent. SallisawRed-hot with six three-points, finishing with 25 points in a nice victory against Gans.Jill Hobbs, DC-LamontTotaled 24 points each game in impressive wins over Dover, Tonkawa and second-ranked Lomega.Cassadie Holybee, WaltersNotched game-high 25 points in leading Lady Devils to the Velma Hoops Classic championship over host Velma-Alma.Taylor Howard, AdaDrained six three-pointers on the way to 22 points to lead the Lady Cougars past rival Ardmore.Bailey Rink, Cov-DouglasSophomore had season-high 28 points in 53-34 thumping of Oklahoma Bible.Richa Jackson, Midwest CityPopped in 29 points points against Norman North to keep the Lady Bombers unbeaten.
Audra SkimboSuezann Pascoe, HealdtonTalk about enfuego. Connected for eight three-pointers en route to 30 points against Comanche.Jordan Pyle, MustangSenior standout pumped in 27 points to lead the Lady Broncos past Putnam City.Audra Skimbo, ClaremoreThe inside standout was nearly unstoppable with 25 points in a 71-21 thumping of Catoosa.

December 16
BOYS BASKETBALL

Lane Adams, Red OakScored 97 points in three games (32.3 ppg) against Kinta, Bokoshe and LeFlore to help the Eagles capture the Eastern Oklahoma State Tournament.

Nathan Beene, GraniteHelped push Granite to the Best of the Southwest Championship by averaging 21 points and six assists in the tournament. The freshman has 223 points and 70 assists on the season, including a 31-point outing a few weeks ago.

Justin Blackmon, PlainviewHuge week with 114 points in four games, including MVP honors in the OBU Invitational, to keep the Indians unbeaten.

Toby Blevins, Mill CreekFired in 25 points to pace the Bullfrogs in an upset of Tupelo, running their win streak to 11.

Rotnei Clarke, VerdigrisShouldn't be much of a shock but the Cardinal standout is averaging 35.3 points a contest through three games.

Trevor LongTrevor Long, FargoQuadruple-double in a win over Follett, TX, scoring 18 points to go with 13 rebounds, 10 steals and 10 assists.

Brock Morton, Holland Hall Nearly outscored Collinsville with 37 points in a 65-40 romp and finished the week with 117 points in four games.

Matt Reynolds, Bishop Kelley Garnered MVP honors in Texas tournament, leading the unbeaten Comets to a tournament championship.

Cameron Sikes, HilldaleHuge 30-point effort in Hilldale tournament final against Vian, helping the Hornets to a sensational 5-0 start.

Martin Smith, McLoud6-10 senior was a virtual one-man wrecking crew with 28 points and a dozen rebounds in a win over rival Tecumseh.

Derrick Thomas, ElginWent for 29 points with five rebounds and three steals against Elk City.

James Watson, StringtownTournament-best 77 points to lead the Class B Tigers to the consolation title in the 5A/4A laden Durant Tournament.

Dee Willis, VinitaJunior had 27 points as the Hornets exploded in the second half to roll past Sand Springs.

GIRLS BASKETBALLTanica Anderson, MariettaScored 32 points and was named MVP in a 62-61 title win over host Madill in a dandy tournament final.

Cassidy Boggs, CyrilLed the Lady Pirates to the Southwest Shootout Championship with a fabulous state line in the finals against host Chattanooga: 32 points, 15 rebounds, three blocks, three assists and a steal. Boggs is averaging 22 points, 10 rebounds for the 7-0 squad.

Alyssia Brewer, SapulpaNotched 79 points and tournament record 42 rebounds en route to MVP honors at the Oklahoma's Best Tournament.

Sarah Green, Tulsa MemorialHad a variety of production in a 61-51 victory over rival Tulsa Edison with nine points, 19 rebounds, nine assists and seven steals.
[MY note: Sarah Green is former ORU player Caleb Green's little sister~ a heckuva player!@]

Tia Magee, JenksHelped the Lady Trojans to their first win with a 25-point effort versus Stillwater.

Youth Coaches: Success Secrets for Half Court Offense

Below are seven principles that we have borrowed, stolen, talked about, and sometimes even practiced over the years with the Celtics....

They will dictate how your players CUT, SCREEN and ROTATE in any offense; or NO offense at all!

They apply to ALL man to man offenses, are simple, easy to teach and wildly effective.
(you might want to print this out and keep it handy at your next practice)

Here we go:
1) When a player receives a pass on the perimeter or in the high post, he should immediately square up and go into triple threat position.
This allows him to see the court, and puts his body in a position where he can shoot, pass or drive in one motion.

2) When using a pick/screen, always wait for your screener to be set. Then use a misdirection cut to set up your defender.
If the defender tries to fight through the screen, the rub off the screener's shoulder and cut to an open area.
If the defender trails (ie. runs behind the player coming off the screen), then curl aroundthe screen and cut towards the hoop.
If the defender tries to cheat over top of the screen, then fade to a region away from the defender.

3) ONLY dribble to accomplish one of these goals:
a) To penetrate towards the basket
b) To maintain floor balance or proper spacing with teammates
c) To improve passing angle
d) To get out of trouble

Too many players waste their dribble by going nowhere, frustrating their teammates and causing the offense to bog down. Remember, dribble with a purpose!

4) Never stand in one place for longer than two or three seconds. Player should move with a purpose, and never remain stagnant. If all else fails, screen away to the opposite side of the court, or cut through the key for a pass.

5) Maintain floor balance and spacing at all times. Players should always keep around 15 feet of space between each other on the perimeter, and 10-12 feet of space in the post.
Keeping the floor spread opens up lanes for driving and cutting, and makes defensive rotations longer and harder to make.

6) If a player is being aggressively denied, he should not fight the defensive overplay.
Instead, react by cutting to the basket (ie. a backdoor cut or back cut) or screening for a teammate.
***
Ingrain this stuff into your players minds.
You'll get better spacing, better ball movement and higher percentage shots

.. a little bit about a lot....

Can't quite figure out how to edit the stupid posts!! Sorry about that one below this, but life goes on...
Anyway,,, Holland Hall travels to Dallas for the Episcopal Parish tournament next week, Dec. 27th, 28th and 29th.... they haven't played in several weeks and aren't practicing for an entire week before the start of the tourney....wait,, they ARE going to practice in Tulsa on Wednesday the 26th, before taking the bus down on the 27th to play Tyler Street HS (8-4) in the first round game at 5 pm at Greenhill HS in North Dallas.

I'm going to miss the Tourney of Champs...ouch!

My buddy Tom Hankins and his Oral Roberts basketball team,,, oh yeah,, Scott Sutton is the head coach, Tom is his assistant,,, put a licking on the Cowboys from OSU last week in Ok City.
Defense. Smothering. Robert Jarvis...instant offense. Oguinoye,, or however you spell it, is the best defender in the country per Scott Sutton. He just may be.

Tulsa University on a roll. Four straight wins. Toothpick seven footer, sophomore Jordan, has incredibly soft hands and is very agile for a "BOY" of his length. What an intimidator defensively. I am sure for the next few years, TU coaches and fans will continue to say/hear...."Man, if we can just get him pumped up in the weight room!!"
With Ben Uzoh being one of the most gifted offensive talents around,,, [Coach Wojcek....you need to share this information with BEN!!!],, if TU can continue to recruit, and JUST AS IMPORTANT!!! KEEP THEM FROM LEAVING AFTER THEY GET HERE!!, then TU might just be a force to be reckoned with during Uzoh and Jordan's senior year.

CELTIC UPDATE:
HS Senior Guard Corey Shannon led his Broken Arrow Tigers to a victory over Fort Smith Friday night and led them in scoring with 11 points; part time Celtic Chris Collins added 10 points. Corey began playing basketball for me in the Nathan Hale recreation league when he was in the 2nd grade. Always fast and aggressive, he had no clues about basketball. He developed into an incredible defensive player, and helped the Celtics capture many championships by shutting down the other teams leading scorer.

Box and one; straight up man to man.... sometimes I would put him on a rebounding phenom JUST to block him off the boards.... whatever asked, Corey would oblige. He worked hard on his offensive skills, and has developed a nice jump shot.... a bright kid that makes "A's" in the classroom, he definitely has more COURT TIME in his future if he decides to go that route.

I understand he suffered a concussion in Fort Smith, and am attempting to find out more about that. Congrats Corey!!

Speaking of injuries; I am sad to report that Celtic stalwart Sean McIlroy has suffered a season ending knee injury. The strong, sharp shooting junior was starting for the #5 ranked Kelley Comets and went down in the Comets first tournament game down in Texas the week before last; The Comets won all three games to improve their record to 5-0, but Sean learned that he needs repair of his ACL . McIlroy is also a key cog in the Comet's baseball program and was most likely going to be one of their top pitchers this year. We wish him a speedy recovery and are so sorry that he won't be on the court this season.

Congrats to Tulsa Jammer's on the BTW Hornet squad who made a great comeback last week to knock off talented East Central in the Hornet gym. Jammer Ian Ponds knocked down the game winner from the baseline with several seconds left in the game.

Roger Clemens. "He did steroids." said his trainer.
"NO I DIDN'T!" says Roger.
...hmmmm...

Ketchup, I mean CATCH UP time...

Tulsa Jammers - Wichita, KS National Tourney
Finished 8 -1.

Does anyone know where Dante Swanson is now? Evidently, he was released from his Poland team; I still believe he has all the ingredients necessary to play in the NBA, but evidently, the people who matter don't agree. Defense, strength, quickness, unselfishness....... I don't get it. He IS a player! He is not FORTY, but HE IS A MAN!

Here is a shot of the Tulsa Jammers, pre Brock Morton. Mostly from Memorial and Booker T. Washington, the Jammers play a high pressure, suffocating, trapping man to man defense that is exciting and fun to watch. Anthony Harris, actually has transferred from Memorial HS to the Jenks Trojans. He is now teamed with two super high school players in 6'7" Vince Boncaldo, and 6'4" Bryson Pope... with spirited Coach Martin at the helm, and a host of support players, don't be surprised if the Trojans don't make a great run at this year's State Championship in a few months.

Not that anyone really reads this blog, but the 2007 Tournament of Champions tournament in Tulsawill be a great venue to see how Rotnei Clark and Keiton Page perform against more formidable opponents then most of their games. Keiton and his Pawnee Bears take on Jenks in the first round. Rotnei and his Verdigris team battle OC McGuinness and 6'10" national prospect Daniel Orton in the first round.

OK,, it took 3 different comments, 1 email, 1 voice mail...and I decided to continue putting some thoughts, information, and basketball news onto the TulsaCeltic blog..... my son, Brock, got mad because I posted a comment about a story in the Tulsa World that included him. My comment was motly about a really gifted athlete from Bristow, Kevin Rolland, who actually chewed up and had his way with Brock. Brock could not stop him. Rolland missed some shots, but not because he was pressured by my son. Anyway, I informed Brock that I can put my opinions on the net.

I actually said in my comment, "..since Brock Morton was my son, I won't comment on his performance.."...... here, I can. Brock had 28 points and fended off a Purple Pirate comeback attempt by breaking their full court press, getting fouled, and making 11 of 12 free throws.

I quit blogging about mostly because I was so focused last year on Holland Hall and my sophomore son. He had a super year, and as a father, it made me proud and thrilled that all his hard work was paying off with significant contributions to his high school's varsity basketball program.

Watching boys, I mean young men, who had played and practiced with the Celtics, or even the many I got to know over the years who played against us, perform for various high schools across the city and beyond, was incredibly fun and exciting.

The Celtics played several tourneys with Alan Santos,jr. & Steven Smith, sr. [Brock's teammates from Holland Hall], Price Pinkerton [jr. at Cascia Hall], Nick Harris [Retired BTW Hornet Coach Nate Harris' son who starts for the Hornets], Matt Reynolds and Tyler Thalken [jr. & sr. from Bishop Kelley HS], C.J. Sidorakis {soph. from Jenks HS who is getting lots of playing time this season]. We won Hardwood Championships.

While playing tennis for the Dutch, Brock was asked to play with the Playing with Purpose group of Lee Mayberry, Rod Thompson and Coach Shea Seales, and did well in the practices that he could attend, but they decided to not mess with the chemistry they had developed while playing in several spring tourneys. So Brock joined up with the Tulsa Jammers and Coach Buck Buchanan. Coach Buck really knows how to get his players to buy in, and there tenacious, scrappy defense causes fits for many teams.

The Jammers fared well in two national tournaments in Wichita, Kansas and Denton, Texas. They went 8-1 in 4 days in Kansas.

Southwest Prep Conference Tourney 2007 Tulsa World - February 10, 2007

Then sophomore Brock Morton driving baseline at the SPC Conference tournament in Houston, Texas, where the DUTCH won 2 out of 3 games, falling short against conference champioin St. Marks of Dallas.


Tulsa Area Updates from Tulsa World
http://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/article.aspx?articleID=070210_Sp_B8_Bruin55101







http://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/article.aspx?articleID=070210_Sp_B6_SUMMA36917