Lawrence North prevails in OT against Bishop Luers

Junior big man Michael Chandler led Lawrence North to a 49-48 overtime win over Bishop Luers Saturday afternoon scoring 25 points and pulling down 9 rebounds. In a back in forth game that saw several lead changes and ties, Chandler was a force in the post for the host Wildcats. Deshaun Thomas recorded a 22 points and 14 rebounds for Bishop Luers in the loss.

Bishop Luers led 12-10 after the 1st quarter, in which star forward Deshaun Thomas scored only 3 points. Lawrence North led 23-22 at halftime due in part to an 11 point half from Michael Chandler. Chandler showed off an array of dunks and inside baskets in the 1st half for Lawrence North. Luers trailed 36-32 going into the 4th quarter but was able to keep up with Lawrence North in the 4th quarter and force overtime, tying the game 44-44 at the end of regulation.

Scouting:

(2010) Deshaun Thomas- A lethal scorer, Thomas was inconsistent today shooting the ball, but was still effective scoring the ball in the post and near the basket. Thomas has a good nose for the ball and can benefit from missed shots and loose balls by getting second chance points. Thomas fought through double teams in the post to score tough baskets and get to the foul line at will. Although he is an above average ball handler, Thomas can at times force the action by dribbling into double and triple teams instead of finding open teammates. Defensively, Thomas can use his strength to guard opponents down low and give up no easy baskets. They key for Thomas to succeed is to not force the action and let teammates find him for scoring opportunities. In college he should see few if any double and triple teams and will benefit from more one on one situations.

(2011) Ryan Taylor- A lunch pale player, Taylor works hard on offense and defense. Taylor possesses a never-ending motor which allows him to finish around the rim and and contest shots on defense. Combining this with impressive athleticism helps Taylor change games on both sides of the ball. Taylor excelled around the basket, grabbing offensive rebounds and scoring off put-back lay-ups and dunks. As a shooter Taylor is streaky, struggling to knock down perimeter jumpers, but able to knock down the occasional mid range jumper. Defensively Taylor's energy translates to many blocked and contested shots. On two occasions Taylor sprinted down court on fast breaks and blocked would be wide open lay-ups from behind. Overall Taylor is a good, undersized power forward who excels at scoring underneath and around the basket. Most of his offense is created via loose balls and offensive rebounds, so the key for him is to play with high energy and give effort on every play. If Taylor is able to improve his mid range and perimeter jump shot he will become an even more special player.

(2011) Michael Chandler- Like most high school big men, potential is the name of the game for Michael Chandler. An extremely athletic player, the sky is (truly) the limit for Chandler. Chandler has good foot work and and strong hands which make him a lethal high school post player. Although he is slender physically, Chandler didn't back down in the post and went at defenders early and often under the basket. Chandler is able to score in the paint by sealing off the lane and going up strong at the rim. Chandler also benefits from good passing by throwing down wide open dunks and alley oops in transition. Defensively, Chandler's size and athleticism make him a formidable shot blocker and shot changer in the lane. His strong hands and athleticism also make Chandler a dominant rebounder. They key for Chandler to succeed is developing a go-to move in the post so he can be a high level scorer in college.