Tait’s Take – Free State boys vs. O-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 Friday’s 42-38 victory by the Free State High boys basketball team.
1. Eric Watson, jr. — Twelve points, five rebounds, two steals and the game-winning assist. More importantly, Watson — yet again — looked comfortable as the Firebirds’ go-to guy. Also played bigger on the boards than his numbers indicate, which this team absolutely needs him to do.
2. Josh May, sr. — Ten rebounds and five blocked shots more than made up for his 3-of-9 shooting night. Two of the five blocks came on back-to-back shots in the final 20 seconds, when the Eagles were frantically trying to tie.
3. Alec Heline, jr. — Had a couple of nice steals and assists but became the man of the hour for his game-winning jumper. It was the only shot Heline made all night but boy was it a big one.
4. Evan Manning, jr. — Played way bigger than his slight frame would ever be expected to. Grabbed five rebounds and dished four assists while knocking down one of two shots. On one rebound — a defensive board in the final five seconds — Manning even gave up part of his body, as he left the floor with blood running down the inside of his forearm.
5. Matt Ruder, sr. — His numbers were so-so — 2-for-6 for 4 points and five rebounds — but his physical presence against the bigger, stronger Eagles kept the Firebirds in the game all night.
6. Brett Frantz, soph. — This game was perfect for Frantz, who was able to use his quickness and instincts to provide effective minutes. Made three of four shots from the field and looked good on his only three-point attempt, even though it didn’t fall.
7. Ryan Scott, sr. — Continues to be on the floor at crunch time, a sign that Scott has turned the corner and now has the trust of the coaching staff. Hit two of three shots, added three big boards and pseudo-assisted on the game-winning bucket.
8. Nick Hassig, sr. — Off night for one of the Firebirds’ leaders. Took just for shots and even sat a little more than usual.
9. Sebastian Bonner, sr. — Didn’t get many minutes but you’d never know it by looking at him. Bonner always brings such a fresh and upbeat attitude to the floor with him. He truly loves to play. Added two rebounds and a nice assist to that love.
10. Aundre Allen, sr. — Did get the start but never got it going. Played tight D and with great effort when he was in there, as we’ve come to expect.
11. Bo Schneider, sr. — Played in just his second game of the season after returning from a broken collar bone. Slowly working his way back into game shape but looked good flying around the floor.
Free State record: 4-4.
Next up: Thursday at the McPherson Invitational.