Teams poised for deep runs into the postseason typically ride a star player.
Then, there's Strafford.
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While the Indians don't feature a premier scorer, they are ridiculously deep, experienced and can hurt you from seven different roster spots.
Just ask Fair Grove.
On Friday night, Wyatt Eubanks broke a tight game wide open, scoring 15 of his team-high 20 points in the second quarter to help propel Strafford to a 76-65 victory and Mid-Lakes Conference title.
The senior-night rampage began with the Indians trailing 23-21 early in the period. Over the course of a 90-second stretch, Eubanks piled up 10 quick points to give Strafford its first lead since the game's opening bucket.
By the time the smoke cleared at the end of the half, Fair Grove found itself in a 39-34 hole.
Details were a bit fuzzy for Eubanks to recall; however, the senior guard had no trouble attributing the flurry of points.
"It was kind of a blur," Eubanks said. "I'm having trouble remembering it, but I always credit my teammates for getting me open and giving me the ball when I'm feeling it. We were able to get some rebounds and leak-outs, and that really helped stretch that lead."
That lead, which ballooned to 19 points in the fourth quarter, was assisted by a smothering perimeter defense.
Fair Grove's deadly scoring combo of Garrett Kesterson and Kyle Cavanaugh combined for 43 points, yet Strafford defenders made the two work for every point. Between contested shots, forced turnovers and limited second-chance opportunities, the Indians were able to keep Fair Grove's dangerous guards from putting together huge runs on the scoreboard.
After falling to the Eagles 68-60 earlier in the season at the Blue & Gold, Strafford head coach Mike Wilson praised his team's improved defensive effort and the quick points it produced at the other end.
"We tried to stay in front of them, number one," Wilson said. "Just our basic defensive principles. Any shot that gets put up, we want to get a hand up. They kind of got in a hurry and took some shots they probably generally don't take. When you take a bad shot and you give a good team a chance to score at the other end, it's a little easier. They've done that to everyone they've played."
Eubanks was joined in double figures by Samuel Morton's 16 points and 11 each from Tanner Lawler and Trevor Roebke.
For Fair Grove and head coach Tim Brown, there's little time to rest. The season's final game marks a quick opportunity to refocus and prepare for district play.
"We had a lot of empty possessions on offense, and we didn't get rebounds," Brown said. "They're a team that … they get rebounds, they get out and run and it helps their offense. We didn't give ourselves opportunities to make second-chance points, and that's what they did continuously all night on their end. I felt like our practice habits weren't up to par this past week. Our guys were accountable for that, and I think they're going to be accountable for that going forward."
Both teams are set to compete in the Class 3, District 11 Tournament next Tuesday at Fair Grove. The Eagles (21-4) open play against Pleasant Hope, while Strafford (20-6) faces Ash Grove. Should both teams advance, they would meet up for a semi-final rematch on Thursday.
When asked about the potential rubber match, Strafford's Wilson was quick to answer.
"We've got Ash Grove on Tuesday," Wilson said. "That's all we're looking for."
Strafford – 76, Fair Grove – 65
Strafford 18 21 19 18 — 76
Fair Grove 21 13 14 17 — 65
Strafford Scoring: Wyatt Eubanks – 20, Samuel Morton – 16, Tanner Lawler – 11, Trevor Roebke – 11, Tyler Winburn – 7, Tristan Losh – 5, Wyatt Cogdill – 4, Chandler Collins – 2
Fair Grove Scoring: Kyle Cavanaugh – 22, Garrett Kesterson – 21, Steven Huskey – 10, Evan Fullerton – 8, Mason Kesterson – 4 Frosh Score: Strafford – 65, Fair Grove – 30 JV Score: Strafford – 73, Fair Grove – 63
