Four QuartersFor the past five weeks, the Grandview boys have been the hottest team in the city. The Bulldogs, 19-5, have won 12 straight — a run that began with the return of senior power forward Loomis Gerring. But the maestro for Grandview’s pressure defense is senior guard Chris Spotser. And with senior scorer Khalil Davis and standout sophomores Tyrone Taylor and Nelson Nweke rounding out the rotation, Grandview has its most complete team since current Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks led the Bulldogs to the Class 5 state-title game in 2009. With the postseason looming, The Star went four quarters with Spotser after a senior-night victory over Park Hill on Wednesday.
Q. 1. This has been 12 straight wins for you guys. I know getting Loomis back has been big, but what’s been the biggest key? A. “Loomis has been the key. We were still expecting to win every time (before), but now that Loomis is back, it’s just like the missing piece. He wraps up the whole offense, defense, rebounding ... we’re like a complete team now.” Q. 2. I know a lot of you seniors looked up to Alec Burks quite a bit when he was playing at Grandview. He lost in the state-title game. Is it a realistic goal for you guys to get back to that game and try to win it? A. “For us, it’s nothing but state. It’s either state or we haven’t accomplished anything during the season. You know, we’re not trying to look over any team. We’re trying to take it one game at a time. We’re worried about the next team.” Q. 3. We hear you want to be a sportswriter — and it’s your dream to work for the Chicago Tribune? OK, we might have to have words ... but seriously, when did you start thinking about that? A. “Well, I’ve been to Chicago twice, and I loved the city. It’s somewhere I’d want to be the rest of my life. I love sports. I want to do something around sports. I love writing. So I just put two and two together. I always wanted to do it, but it wasn’t until the last couple years that I really started enjoying writing.” Q. 4. Tie game, 10 seconds left, and both Loomis Gerring and Khalil Davis are wide open. Who do you pass to? A. “Well, whoever is closer to the basket, first of all. I could give it to any one of them, because I trust all of them. If I give it to Khalil, he’ll knock the shot down. If I give it to Loomis, he’ll go to the basket and score.”By the numbers.519 Combined win percentage of the three teams standing between Blue Valley Northwest’s boys and an outright East Kansas League title after Tuesday’s overtime win against BV North. The Huskies, 16-1, lead the Mustangs by a game and close the season against BV West, 11-6, St. Thomas Aquinas, 10-7, and BV Southwest, 6-12. But don’t be fooled by the records, which include a combined 12-22 record in EKL play. Each remaining opponent is capable of springing an upset.1 That’s how many times Shawnee Mission South has won 17 games in a season since it won the state title in 1990. The Raiders won 17 in 2010, when Will Spradling led the school to the state tourney. This year’s Raiders, 14-3, can pick up No. 15 tonight against SM West.2 Number of Sunflower League girls’ basketball players — both from Leavenworth — who average more rebounds than points among the league leaders in both categories. Tashia Jones leads the league at 13.9 rebounds per game and averages 12.8 points for the young Pioneers, while Rachel Blackburn averages 10.8 points and 10.9 rebounds.3 Players in double figures for Platte County in a 53-49 victory over Liberty North on Tuesday. Jaron Rollins finished with a team-high 16 as the Pirates avenged an earlier loss to Liberty North.Game to watch• Lee’s Summit West at Ruskin boys: Lee’s Summit West, 22-12, can avenge one of its losses tonight against Ruskin, 12-12. The Titans fell victim to the Eagles 77-69 back on Jan. 24, with Ruskin star swingman Malcolm Harrison going for 26 points. But Lee’s Summit West has plenty of firepower. Senior Shaquille Harrison and little brother Monte combined for 43 points in a victory over Blue Springs on Tuesday.• Basehor-Linwood at Lansing boys: The host Lions, 16-1, claimed a moderately controversial 59-58 win Jan. 27 at Basehor-Linwood when the Bobcats, 14-3, were unable to get a foul called in the closing seconds to preserve time. Now, coach Michael McBride’s squad hopes to repay the favor and, in doing so, force a tie atop the Kaw Valley League standings. Senior Izaiah Grice leads the way for Lansing against the Bobcats’ top-notch senior duo, Colin and Ryan Murphy.• Olathe South at Olathe Northwest girls: For the visiting Falcons, a streak of seven consecutive Sunflower League championships is on the line against the Ravens, who are undefeated in league play. Senior point guard Megan Balcom and Olathe South, 16-1, are coming off a shocking loss to SM West and must win to have a realistic shot at another title. Meanwhile, Olathe Northwest, 16-1, is hoping to usher in a new era behind juniors Kelsey Brooks and Michaela Crall.• Harrisonville at Grain Valley boys: This Missouri River Valley Conference West showdown features Harrisonville, 16-6, taking on a Grain Valley team that is 19-5 and has won 10 of its last 12. Grain Valley has already clinched a share of the conference title. And if they win tonight, the Eagles could still win it outright.
