Tait’s Take: LHS boys vs. Topeka West
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 49-40 victory by the Lawrence High boys basketball team in the semis of the Topeka Invitational.
1. Marcus Ray, sr. — Quite possibly his best game of the season. Absolutely took the game over during one stretch in the second half. Finished with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals.
2. Logan Henrichs, soph. — Played like a much more mature player on both ends of the floor. Held down the middle of the LHS zone on defense — despite being undersized — and drained a huge three and calmly sank two clutch free throws on the offensive end late in the game. His stat line was not eye-popping but his efficiency was.
3. Anthony Buffalomeat, soph. — Got the Lions going early when nothing would fall. Helped LHS stay close with eight first-half points. Only took two shots and scored two points in the second half. Memorable second-half miss came after a sick behind-the-back crossover.
4. K.J. Pritchard, soph. — Pritchard’s shot wasn’t falling — though he did hit a key trey that sparked the Lions’ 21-4 run — but he more than made up for it elsewhere. Incredibly active in the Lions’ halfcourt defense, the sophomore swiped three steals and forced the Chargers to start their offense 30 feet from the basket.
5. Drake DeBiasse, sr. — Only took one shot — a second-half three that he drained — but contributed so much more. Active on the top of the LHS zone and intelligent in the halfcourt. Age and experienced helped the Lions maintain their poise.
6. Michael McCabe, sr. — Not a great night with the jumper but the senior point guard was good elsewhere, especially with his sweet no-look pass to Ray that gave the Lions the lead for good in the second half. Effort and heart are never an issue with McCabe, no matter what kind of a night he’s having on either end.
7. Jake Johnson, jr. — Corralled some big rebounds thanks to his size and explosiveness. A little herky-jerky on the offensive end but not for lack of trying. Played the high post well and tried to be a facilitator for the LHS offense, which got a taste of its own medicine in trying to attack Topeka West’s 2-3 zone.
8. Matt Montes de Oca, sr. — Lacked the explosiveness and leaping ability to rebound with the athletic Chargers, which limited his minutes. Gave 100 percent effort for every second he was on the floor though.
9. Steven Melton, sr. — Doing enough in practice to continue to earn his starting spot but giving way to more natural playmakers during game time. Not doing anything to hurt this team when he’s in there.
Lawrence High record: 3-7
Next up: 7:30 p.m. Saturday vs. Highland Park in Topeka Invitational title game