Standouts of a Mid Del Classic and District Decider

Use promo code OKHoops50 at checkout for a discount on your first month's subscription.   Sometimes when you lose, you really win. And sometimes when you win, you really lose. That was the case on Tuesday night when two 5A contenders and heated rivals squared off for their second match up of the year. Bragging rights weren't only on the line, so was a District title and important playoff seeding. Given the nature of Class 5A's depth, a potential Regional title game against Bishop McGuinness or Lawton MacArthur is quite the different proposition. As such, Carl Albert had to win by 4 or more to make up the point differential of their 52-48 losses to MWC from earlier in the season. After trailing by double digits for much the second and third quarter, Midwest CIty rallied and thanks to a last second shot by [player_tooltip player_id='1222916' first='Brooklyn' last='Henderson'], only lost 55-54. Leading to District title worthy celebrations from the Lady Bombers.    Started the game on fire, and proved why she's possibly the best freshman in Oklahoma. Has some of the best handles, footwork of any player in Oklahoma, regardless of class. Can chain together in and out moves, hesis, crossovers, etc with ease. Leading to her cooking even quick guards off the bounce. And she often does all this with a grin on her face.   Henderson produced the magical moment in the game's closing seconds. Carl Albert tried to foul on an inbound play to get the ball back and get their lead back to over 4. Henderson caught the pass, turned toward the hoop as she was fouled and shot a circus type shot. It of course went in because even though she's only a freshman, Henderson is already a special player. And now is starting to prove her clutch bonafides with back to back impressive performances against Carl Albert to secure a district title.     Brown was serving up buckets to start the game, and continued throughout the third quarter. Has a variety of ways she can get hers off the bounce. Plays with good pace on drives. Can either get all the way to the rim and hit tough shots. Or smoothly stop and hit in the 6-10 foot range to take advantage of the defense over playing her. Mixed in quality three point shooting throughout the game, giving her a complete offensive arsenal. If Carl Albert makes another State Tournament run, it will likely come via clutch scoring from Brown.     Senior urgency is difference maker in big February and March games and that's exactly what Walter brought to the table. Brought great full court energy on defense. Along with timely scoring throughout. She might have gotten a little lucky with a banked in deep three pointer in the first half, but players tend to create their own luck when they play hard. To add to her scoring, she hit tough floaters/runners on drives during the second half rally. Walter is a quality scoring guard, who can make an impact on both ends of the floor.     When Carl Albert charged ahead in the first half, Plunkett was a big reason why. She's a powerful slashing wing-forward. When she gets a step on a defender, her long legs eat up ground to reach the hoop and her broad shoulders makes her a strong finisher. Even had one play where she grabbed a board and took it coast to coast through about three Midwest City defenders for a score. Her second half was quieter. But the Washburn commit is still one of the toughest mismatches in Oklahoma. And could be set for a dominating Class 5A playoff run.     When Midwest City was struggling in the first half, the quick senior was a shot of adrenaline. She's feisty, fast and tough off the dribble. Using floaters and other tough finishes around the rim. Brought an energy that elevates her teammates with her scores and defensive plays. Wright is a "heart over height" guard who is a difference maker.     The freshman who has earned a starting spot in Carl Albert's upperclassman heavy lineup. She's quick with good handles. Provided early scoring as part of the Titan's strong start. Including putting an older defending into a spin cycle, then smoothly stopping and lofting a floater over a helpside defender. She's a well drilled guard, with a great foundation of handles, passing and awareness. Carl Albert possibly could use a a tad bit scoring punch from her, as she missed a couple good looks in the second half. With most teams focused on Brown and Plunkett, there is an opening for Johnson to make waves during the playoffs.

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