By Nolan Epstein
Springfield, Mo. — Backed by a 32-point performance from senior forward Julius Walker, the Greenwood Blue Jays (1-0) opened the 2016-17 season with a loud 76-47 win over the Purdy Eagles (0-1) in Springfield on Tuesday.
Head coach Darren Taylor’s club didn’t waste any time getting going as the Jays scored the first three baskets of the contest and never slowed down – opening up a 22-7 advantage after the first eight minutes against an Eagles team that tried to put an emphasis on solid defensive play.
“Purdy is very good at putting a lot of pressure on you,” Taylor said following the win. “They trap you in multiple places and they do a really good job of that, but I thought our kids did a good job of finding the open person and finishing at the basket.”
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Purdy, which lost four starters to graduation, could do nothing to slow down the athletic Walker. Greenwood’s senior leader poured in 21 points in the opening half to help give the Jays a 23-point lead going into the locker room.
Along with his game-high 32 points, Walker also bagged 12 rebounds to notch another double-double for his high-school career.
Due to building such a substantial early lead, Walker was held out of action for much of the third quarter for rest and to give some of Taylor’s less experienced players some valuable early-season varsity action.
“I’m always eager to get in the game,” said Walker. “I always want to play. I’d love to play the whole game, but we had to get some other guys in there. It was nice to get the underclassmen some experience.”
The Eagles’ sharp focus on Walker allowed for senior newcomer Tony Brandt to take advantage of a plethora of scoring opportunities. On the night, Brandt finished with 15 points in a solid effort.
“[Walker] makes me look good because so many people are staring at him and trying to keep the ball out of his hands,” Brandt noted. “It’s a really good experience. He’s a fantastic player.”
Brandt’s performance is a terrific sign for the Jays given the fact that he hadn’t played high-school ball since his freshman year at Bolivar.
“We knew of Tony and we knew his ability to help our team,” Taylor said. “It showed already that he’s going to be a help.”
Brandt, who has been racking up the accolades as a golfer throughout his high-school tenure, was quick to notice some of the less-than-subtle differences that the hardwood offers compared to the fairway.
“It’s a lot more fun to have fans and people to interact with as opposed to golf when you’re out there by yourself,” said Brandt. “It was just a lot of fun, honestly.”
Greenwood takes on Sarcoxie in the Pierce City Tournament next Tuesday, while Purdy faces Clever in the 83rd Annual Clever Tournament on Monday.
Box Score
Purdy – 7 9 13 18 – 47
Greenwood – 22 17 14 23 – 76
Purdy – Hunter Cook 14, Tyler Keeler 13, Joby Young 4, James Hughlett 4, Kyler Propps 4, Jose Sanchez 2, Mason Schallert 2, Logan Easley 2, Fernando Garcia 1, Kole Rea 1
Greenwood – Julius Walker 32, Tony Brandt 15, John Sharp 10, Wesley Bergen 8, Joseph Brock 8, Tate Dukewits 3
