Emporia ? Watch Chuck Law watch his big man. Watch Law look for signs it’s time for a rest.

One, two, three deep breaths from the big man on defense, and the coach hollered to the player checking in, “C.B., C.B.,” meaning to go in for Christian Ballard instead of the original plan. But not until Ballard had one more touch at the other end. Ballard, all 275 pounds of him, huffed and he puffed. He caught the pass at the free-throw line and sized up the shot. Nothing but net.

Still more than half a game was left to be played, but with that it was evident Free State High was on its way to the semifinals of the state tournament. Ballard, who did most of his work with his back to the basket, establishing position and calling for the ball, was simply too much for Shawnee Mission West to handle.

In leading the Firebirds to a 53-35 victory over the Vikings, Ballard contributed 20 points and nine rebounds. Soft hands, an even softer shooting touch, quick feet and the ability to rise above the defender to shoot an undisturbed shot, all came in handy for Ballard, who scored 18 points in the middle two quarters. Teammates who realized the smartest path to extending the season was to feature the 6-foot-4 senior bound for Iowa on a football scholarship came in handy as well.

And what a job his teammates did. Seniors Kyle Schreiner and Nick Devin defy their listed heights by crashing the boards with such purpose. They both have a knack for getting the big basket. Schreiner does not miss his free throws. Period. He made eight of eight on this night, and if he goes to the line eight times Friday night, he’ll make eight again. Under the tutelage of Law, Schreiner’s defense has become just as sound. And if you’re bringing the ball up against Devin, you might want to take extra care to protect it, or he’ll rip it right out of your hands and take it the other end for a layup.

“Nick has totally re-invented himself as a basketball player,” Law said. “He came to high school a gunner, and when he played against bigger players he had to figure out how to help in other ways beside scoring. He’s so tenacious.”

Junior Weston Wiebe, an understated talent, once or twice a game will do something that makes you sit up and say “Wow!” or as was the case in the fourth quarter, “Wow! Wow!” First, he blocked a shot in an explosive way, one of his four blocks. Then, at the other end, he deflected the inbound pass and was so in control of the situation he was able to bat it off an opposing player. The level-headed Wiebe almost smiled after that one. Almost.

Even without all the help Ballard has, the Firebirds aren’t the same team when he heads to the bench, which is why Law deserves praise for giving Ballard breathers when he needs them. The rest of the Firebirds made just seven of 24 field-goal attempts. Ballard made nine of 12. Ballard wouldn’t have been that efficient if Law left him out there the whole night. The coach knows how to get the most out of him. For such an intense guy, Law never lets his emotions do his thinking for him.

As for Ballard, he has the look of a basketball player who has come to realize just how unstoppable he is when gets the ball on the block. He’s calling for the ball, and teammates have answered the call all the way to the Class 6A Final Four.