By Chris Parker
Laquey boys basketball returns two starters from last season’s seven-win team.
Those two starters are Rhyder Martin and Izeyah Boggs.
Martin, a junior, is the starting point guard.
“Rhyder is a great athlete and exciting player who led the team in scoring, steals, and assists,” Laquey head coach Mark Farley said. “Rhyder is a quick, solid shooter with good jumping ability that can penetrate or shoot the three.”
Boggs, also a junior, is a starting center.
“Izeyah is our best post player with good size, strength, and speed,” Farley said. “A good shooter that can play inside or on the wing, he was the second-leading scorer who led the team in rebounds, blocked shots and charges taken. Expect his contributions to increase and opposing teams will have to account for him in the lane.”
Senior Jesse Tanner also returns.
“(He is a) good athlete and a solid defender and rebounder,” Farley said. “Jesse has size and quickness. He had an injury shortened season last year. We expect him to excel in his senior season.”
Tyler Rich (senior), Kalen Elliot (senior), Seth Creighton (junior), Kole Storie (junior) and Gavin Shaw (junior) will be other key players.
Farley on Rich: “Tyler was a part-time starter and early substitute last season. Tyler is one of our three post players with good size and strength.”
Farley on Elliot: “Kalen is a streaky shooter that can light it up from three. With good speed and ball handling skills, Kalen is a three-year letterman with a lot of playing time and experience.”
Farley on Creighton: “A speedy guard with good ball handling skills and solid shot. Seth is capable of penetrating and dishing or pulling up for a mid-range jumper or hitting a three.”
Farley on Storie: “A pure shooter from anywhere on the court who can handle the ball. Kole played in 23/26 games last year, shooting over 61% from the field, and 34% from three-point range, averaging just under 4 ppg.”
Farley on Shaw: “An aggressive G/F forward who likes to penetrate. A solid defender that will provide critical minutes throughout the year.”
Laquey will have good balance inside and out.
“Our biggest strength will be an inside-outside threat that comes from a strong point guard and multiple three-point shooters, coupled with an experienced back line under the basket,” Farley said.
Laquey opens the season Nov. 30-Dec. 7 at the Frisco League Tournament.
“We want to see improvement on our record (7-19 last year) with a few more wins and a better conference standing,” Farley said.
