West Linn 55, Lakeridge 28: Five Takeaways
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Sometimes you’ve just got to roll with what you’ve got. That’s the theme for West Linn at this point in the season. Playing without many of their top players due to various issues, the Lions went with the roster on…
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Continue ReadingSometimes you’ve just got to roll with what you’ve got. That’s the theme for West Linn at this point in the season. Playing without many of their top players due to various issues, the Lions went with the roster on hand and still put together an inspired effort to roll past Lakeridge, 55-28, for the victory.
West Linn was missing normal starters Bryson Crockett, who injured his knee against Lake Oswego, and Micah Garrett and Damiko Tidmore, who did not play due to coach’s decision. But led by senior Oreon Courtney and Joe Juhala, the Lions raced out to a 8-0 lead and never looked back. It was a good defensive performance from West Linn as Lakeridge struggled with turnovers and only shot 8-for-38 (.236) from the field in the loss.
“We played really hard and played together and the way we played today was exactly the way we practiced the last two or three days,” said West Linn head coach Tyler Toney. “It was good to get some of our young kids in and get them some varsity experience and it was good to see how when hard work pays off and the kids can see that.”
Courtney is the Top Athlete Playing Basketball in the State
You’re not going to get much argument here as the winner of two holiday tournament slam dunk contests this year, Oreon Courtney, is the most athletic basketball player in the state, certainly that we have seen this year. The senior can sky not only for dunks but for rebounds and blocked shots, and gets up and down the court as fast as anyone. And it’s just now raw athleticism that makes Courtney so effective – his motor runs non-stop as well. Against Lakeridge, he was not only grabbing rebounds but grabbing them out of his area and against players 6-foot-8 and 6-foot-6 – which is saying a lot considering he measures 6-foot-3. Courtney isn’t just a raw athlete either as he has the ability to hit the open perimeter shot and can handle the ball, which came in handy against Lakeridge as he helped bring the ball up on the floor. On the night he ended up with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
Juhala Stepped It Up
Joe Juhala has gotten some time here and there this season but because of the players out he got an opportunity at extended playing time and the junior made the most out of it. The 6-foot-7 forward is blessed with natural athleticism and a pretty decent shot from the outside, but had been struggling to put it all together. Against Lakeridge, it looked pretty good. He was able to create a little off the dribble and finish at the hoop, and he was solid on the boards and also registered a couple of blocked shots. Confidence is key for Juhala who is still learning, but he’s learning quickly. Juhala finished with 13 points, four rebounds, and three blocked shots.
Don’t Forget the Glue Guys
Especially when they are at full strength, there is no shortage of guys who can put the ball in the basket on the West Linn roster. But guys who are willing to do the dirty work and fill in the gaps – West Linn has them too. On Friday night, the ones doing the most were Cade Knutson and Parker Durbin. Knutson, a 6-foot-3 senior who recently verbally committed to play college football at Johns Hopkins, hit all three shots he attempted including two threes. Durbin, a 6-foot-3 junior, may have only scored three points but he was great on the boards (eight rebounds), passing the ball (four assists), and playing the passing lanes (three steals).
Youth Served for the Lions
A number of West Linn’s young guys got a chance to get some extended playing time. Kelton Herrick, a 5-foot-11 junior, is an aggressive point guard who isn’t afraid to take the ball inside. He finished with six points and three rebounds. Zeke Viuhkola, a 5-foot-11 freshman, got some minutes and showed a decent touch from the perimeter, hitting a three. And big man Mason VanBeenen, a 6-foot-8 (and still growing) freshman, got some court time as well.
Lakeridge Still Building
Let’s not lie, 28 points in a game isn’t a great night. And Lakeridge is still looking for its first Three Rivers League win. But considering how the team did last season – only two wins – and add in the fact many guys from that team expected to be back didn’t, the Pacers have done quite well for themselves this year. They have six wins including victories over potential post-season teams in Westview, Franklin, and Beaverton. While seniors such as guard Lawrence Chen (eight points) and post Carter Larrance (four points, five rebounds) will graduate, there are some younger players such as junior wing Mason Nelson (six points) and junior forward Cooper Justice (six rebounds) to build around for the future.