Tait’s Take: LHS boys vs. SM North
One of the more popular features of our Kansas University sports site, KUSports.com, is “The Keegan Ratings,” in which Journal-World Sports Editor Tom Keegan ranks the Jayhawks’ performances in both football and basketball after every game he attends. The individual rankings provide a great starting point for discussion and debate about the game that was in KU Sports.
With that in mind, the Journal-World would like to introduce “Tait’s Take,” a similar ranking system for the local high school games that High School Sports Editor Matt Tait attends each week. Because we can’t be in two places at once — or even three for that matter — this will not be a comprehensive look at athletes at both Lawrence High and Free State over the course of any given season. However, it will provide you with a deeper look at the most recent game and will give Tait an opportunity to include those tidbits about certain players that may not have made it into his story about the game.
This feature will fly fast and furious throughout the football, basketball and baseball seasons. So stop by often. If you can’t find a game you’re interested in, click on The Dividing Line archives and search for it. Chances are it will be there.
Here’s the latest edition of Tait’s Take, which looks back at the top players from Tuesday’s 67-50 victory by the Lawrence High boys basketball team.
1. Marcus Ray, sr. — Ray was sensational from start to finish during the Lions’ first victory of the season. He played more relaxed, let the game to him instead of forcing it and hit 7 of 8 shots from the field for 15 points. Also added three rebounds, three assists and two steals.
2. Anthony Buffalomeat, soph. Often passive at times in the Lions’ six games before winter break, Buffalomeat was exactly the kind of aggressive, attacking force LHS coach Mike Lewis needs him to be in this one. Scored 14 points and snagged 9 rebounds. At times, he looked like the best player in the gym.
3. Logan Henrichs, soph. His offensive numbers don’t show just how valuable he was. 1-for-3 from the floor, 0-0 from the line for two points. Add to that his nine rebounds (amazing for a player his size) and two assists and you’ll quickly see why he’s ranked so high.
4. Matt Montes de Oca, sr. Opened the game by hitting the first four shots he took. Confident and powerful in the low post, Montes de Oca is quickly becoming exactly the kind of big man the Lions need.
5. K.J. Pritchard, soph. Came off the bench because he was out of town most of winter break. But played key minutes and was on the floor for crunch time. Nice all-around totals this time out, as he reined in his automatic reaction to shoot and helped get the rest of his teammates involved.
6. Drake DeBiasse, sr. He’s back. DeBiasse finally looked fresh again after an ankle injury in the opener hobbled him for several weeks. Decisive and confident on both offense and defense. This team needs exactly what DeBiasse gave it on Tuesday.
7. Michael McCabe, sr. Missed the three shots he attempted but more than made up for it by nailing all five of his free throws and dishing five assists. Steady ball-handler who has proven he can handle the bright lights.
8. Jake Johnson, jr. Johnson hit the boards like a mad man and that should give him confidence going forward. Also added a couple of nice buckets inside, the result of confidence and poise after the catch.
9. Steven Melton, sr. Received the start but not many minutes. Still, he hit his only shot (the second bucket of the game) to get the Lions off to the great start.
10. Taylor Coleman, sr. Missed a pair of free throws late in the first half but was in the right place at the right time to earn the trip to the line. Did it all with a smile, too.
11. Tyler Sundown, sr. Only played the final few seconds in the blowout victory but looked intense while doing so.
Lawrence High record: 1-6
Next up: 7 p.m. Friday vs. Olathe South