Tait’s Take: Free State boys vs. BV 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.
Without further ado, here’s the first edition of Tait’s Take, which looks back at the top players from Tuesday’s 38-36 loss by the Free State High boys basketball team.
1. Eric Watson, jr. — Watson was by far the best Firebird on the floor Tuesday night. He shot 5-of-8 from the floor, finished with 12 points and was the most aggressive offensively that he’s been in his two years at FSHS. In addition, Watson played inspired defense and showed glimpses of the “Level 10 attitude” that FSHS coach Chuck Law asks his players to play at.
2. Ryan Scott, sr. Despite being the last man off the bench, Scott played a wonderful game. He finished with 7 points (on 3-of-4 shooting) and added three rebounds and two assists in just over two quarters of play.
3. Evan Manning, jr. Manning missed a chance to be the hero when he bobbled a pass in the final seconds that could have produced the game-winning shot. The miscue should not overshadow his otherwise terrific game. Manning had trouble shooting the ball Tuesday night (finishing with just 3 points on 1-of-5 shooting) but was outstanding everywhere else. He grabbed four rebounds, added three assists and chipped in with a pair of steals.
4. Matt Ruder, sr. Got the start and scored just two points but played big and strong throughout the game. If anything, his three missed shots were a product of him being too strong. Snagged three boards and was active on defense.
5. Nick Hassig, sr. Senior leader hit the opening shot of the game and knocked down two others. He disappeared too often on offense, though, and committed a couple of costly turnovers late. As always, though, he played with relentless effort and passion.
6. Alec Heline, jr. Heline’s stat line don’t show much of an impact. He missed the only two shots he took and added one assist and one steal — on the same play. But he handled the ball well and helped the Firebirds get into their offense, which means he’ll continue to play plenty of minutes.
7. Aundre Allen, sr. Quickness enabled him to play key minutes on defense and led to one bucket and another trip to the line on offense.
8. Sebastian Bonner, jr. Filled in admirably when the team got into foul trouble. Hit one of two shots and grabbed two rebounds.
9. Josh May, sr. Not a good night for the senior transfer. He spent most of the game on the bench in foul trouble and missed the only two shots he attempted. In addition, he added just two rebounds.
10. Brett Frantz, soph. Not enough court-time to make an accurate assessment. Didn’t do anything wrong but didn’t stand out either.
Free State record: 3-3
Next up: 7 p.m. Friday at Olathe East