LHS to rely on trees, not 3s

TiVo last year’s NBA Three-Point Shootout and fast forward the footage, and you will see action resembling Lawrence High’s up-tempo boys basketball style of the last three years.

“We’ve probably led the state in three-point shots and makes,” Chris Davis said. “We will not play at the pace we’ve been playing at.”

Although LHS will not abandon the three-point shot during the 2006-07 season, it will emphasize its plethora of big men, including 6-foot-3 John Novotny, 6-6 John Schneider, 6-3 Nathan Padia and 6-5 Chance Riley on a squad Davis called the most physical he ever has coached.

“We’ll take a lot more looks inside,” Davis said.

The Lions finished 11-11 last year, but with eight seniors returning, the players have high expectations for this season.

“The kids have talked a lot about finding a way to get to state this year,” Davis said. “That’s a very realistic goal for this group of kids.”

To accomplish that goal, the Lions must replace their backcourt from last year, including leading scorer Tyler Knight and point guard Christian Pope. As it breaks in its new guards, LHS could start the season slowly as it adjusts to a new offensive scheme.

“There’s a whole new learning curve,” Davis said. “It’s going to take a little while to get it going.”

While LHS grasps a new offense, Free State High could show a bit of rust as its football players received a late start to basketball, following their run to the state semi-finals.

“With our football guys coming in late to practice,” Free State coach Chuck Law said, “we’re still trying to figure out what that starting lineup is going to be.”

Christian Ballard, a first-team All-Sunflower League selection at tight end, will anchor the post. Two other seniors, Nick Devin and Kyle Schreiner, should start in the backcourt.

Basketball players, From left, Seabury's Scott King, Lawrence High's Kevin Logan, Veritas Christian's Micah Barclay and Free State High's Kyle Schreiner are expected to lead the city's high school teams this season.

“Like most programs,” Law said, “we look to our seniors.”

Although Law did not specify a goal for wins for his team, he looks for improvement from last year’s 8-13 squad.

“My expectation is that we can finish in the upper half of the Sunflower League,” Law said, “and at least make a run to get into the state tournament.”

Although the Firebirds must replace graduated seniors Nick Ayre, David Green and Scott Heitshusen, this year’s team could go nine or 10 deep. Law will maximize his bench by playing an up-tempo style on offense and applying full-court pressure on defense to wear down opponents.

“That’s what has me most excited – the number of guys we can put out there,” Law said, “and play the way we want to play.”

Of the city schools, Seabury Academy has undergone the most change, hiring a new coach. Matthew Downing Jr., an Atchison High graduate, played at the University of Maryland under coach Gary Williams from 1990 to ’92 and has adopted many of Williams’ philosophies.

“We’ll run some of the things I ran in college,” Downey said. “That’s what coaches do. They steal a little bit of this, a little bit of that. They call it their own.”

Using a motion and flex offense and man-to-man defense, Downey will rely on seniors Scott King and Matt Cannon and junior Bill Butler. A 5-5 point guard Brian Gutierrez, however, could serve as the key for this year’s team.

“He has a lot of load on him,” he said. “We’re going to have some younger guys that are getting right in.”

Seabury finished 8-11 last year.

Downey wants his athletes to play hard as they master the new scheme.

“I expect the kids to learn a little bit more about the fundamentals of the game,” Downey said. “We’re going to show up every night with our boots strapped up, ready to roll.”

Veritas Christian could face a transition year, since it must replace several departed starters, including Casey Woods, Andrew Bartlow and Mark Randtke. The latter two players combined to average about 30 points and 22 rebounds.

“It’s going to be a rebuilding year for us. A lot of kids that graduated were real key players on the team last year,” Veritas coach Doug Bennett said. “But we’re optimistic. I’m really pleased with the attitude and effort that we’ve had in practice.”

Among those showing that hustle were senior Micah Barclay, junior Michael Kay and senior Josh Masrud.

“Those are the three returning players who logged the most minutes at the varsity level last year,” Bennett said. “We’re looking for them to set the tone especially defensively.”

Senior Nathan Hammer likely will start in the post, while junior Isaiah Dover, sophomore Jerimiah Johnson and sophomore Taylor Zook battle for the remaining starting spot.

“We’re really anxious to see how we play when we take the court,” Bennett said.