Jeremy Case of McAlester and J.R. Giddens of John Marshall both begin their journey through the brackets on Thursday, each needing three victories to bring home the title.
Each has his own idea about what it will take to move on to the final game set for Saturday at Lloyd Noble Center.
“It is all about defense,” said Case. “We just need to keep the other team from scoring and play defense on every trip.”
Case is averaging 24.6 points a game for the Buffalos. The Buffs are 23-2 and have won their last eighteen games with relative ease. However, McAlester will face a different level of competition in the tournament.
John Marshall arrives at state via the losers bracket from the area tournament. Giddens, a McDonalds All American, averages just over 22 points and 10 rebounds a game.
“We need to play together as a team. Not just passing the ball, but everyone knowing his role,” said Giddens. “Me and Adam and even Rashad are usually the go-to guys. But if one player is hot, you let him go. I’ll rebound or do whatever is needed.”
“I have been a little tentative because of my foot. But it is time to turn up the heat. This is my senior year and this is state. I am going all out,” announced Giddens.
In November Giddens predicted a John Marshall vs. McAlester show down in the championship game, and that has not changed.
“I want to play McAlester and my boy Jeremy Case,” said Giddens.
Giddens added, “I am glad I will not have to guard him though.”
Naturally, Giddens feels John Marshall will come out on top.
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” laughed Case. “We’ll just have to see what happens on the court.”
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