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This is the 9th year of the Ozark Mtn. Shootout. Coach Brian McTague berthed what has become a feature event during his tenure at Clever. Since that time the event has seen several NBA guys including Atlanta Hawks superstar Trae Young. Several other soon-to-be NBA guys including Caleb Love (UNC) and Bryce Thompson (KU) The question was who was going to be next. Well, you can point at the four or five future NBA guys on Link Academy’s roster including #14 2022 Julian Phillips, #26 2022 Jordan Walsh and even #7 2023 Omaha Biliew. Jonesboro has a pair of guys getting looks at the next level along with Hazelwood Central. Looking at the local talent you don’t have to look past Kickapoo’s 2023 Zaide Lowery Who is a 4-star guy in the 2023 class. What is impressive is the depth of local guys that is in this year’s event. Golden City’s Josh Reeves is one of the best shooters in SWMO. Forsyth’s roster is huge led by Rogersville transfer Cade Blevins. Then you have Glendale’s terrific trio of Carter Harrell, Grant Givens and Cole Feuerbacher. Glendale wrapped up night one of the event against Shiloh Christian.
Glendale started fast as Owen Padgitt and Logan Frahm get buckets to go on the first couple possessions of the game as the Falcons jumped to a 4-0 lead early. Cole Feuerbacher kept the pressure going with a pair of buckets himself to extend the lead to 9-3 at the 3:45 mark. Shiloh wouldn’t stay down for long as a small run from the Saints. The teams traded buckets and the Falcons emerged on top 16-13 after the first quarter.
Ta’veaion Washington shined for the Falcons as he got six points in the quarter as well as playing tough defense on the guard heavy roster of Shiloh. Feuerbacher has another solid quarter as the Falcons would take a 37-25 lead into half.
Glendale started the second half with a bang. And I mean a loud bang as Logan Frahm capitalized on a missed shot with a dunk for the Falcons to begin the third quarter. Carter Harrell really began to take over in the quarter as he got all 9 of his points to fall in the third including a three. Givens also got three buckets to fall as the Falcons stiff defense didn’t allow Shiloh to get any momentum going. Glendale would lead 61-39 after three.
The Falcons saved their best defensive quarter for the final quarter as they only allowed three buckets to fall as Cooper Wise did that by himself as Glendale cruised for a 78-48 win.
Menifee led the way for the Saints with four three balls and 14 points. Neil was behind him with 11. Holler chipped in 7.
Grant Givens led the Falcons with 15 points. Cole Feuerbacher added 13. Logan Frahm got 12 to go. Ta’veaion Washington put 11 through the hoop. Carter Harrell had 9. Owen Padgitt with 8. Cooper wise added 7 in the final quarter. Carter Killian wrapped up scoring with three.
Players of the Game
Cole Feuerbacher 6’3 Glendale 2023
Cole was fantastic Thursday night. He showed that he can be a force on both ends of the floor. He was fantastic defensively forcing several turnovers with his long reach. He fills out his jersey well, but I think he still has a little bit of room to get stronger. Cole is ferocious on the glass as he was picking up board after board. Offensively he likes to keep it in close and is a good finisher in the paint. Coach McTague says the defense will be the most important aspect of his team and if Feuerbacher has anything to do it, they will be successful this year.
Carter Harrell 6’4 Glendale 2022
Harrell is a fantastic leader. He didn’t shine scoring the ball, but he didn’t need to. His leadership as a ball handling guard is his best quality. He takes care of the ball very well and doesn’t turn it over very often. Defensively Harrell has great hands. He was able to force turnovers on a very good ball handling Shiloh team. Harrell can score but that is the beauty of his game. He can adjust what he needs to do based on how the game is being played.
Grant Givens 6’6 Glendale 2022
Givens is a force inside. He has a great build, and it should keep getting stronger as the season progresses. That could really be an issue for the rest of the OC. Givens is a beast in the paint and can have his way at any Givens time. (I apologize. After watching 8 basketball games in the last 24 hours, I deserve a bad Pun) His physical presence can be a key part in Glendale’s success this year.