By Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
The Highland Park boys got an unexpected challenge in the opener of the 64th annual Topeka Invitational Tournament, held at Topeka High School. The Scots had to hold off upset-minded Shawnee Mission North Thursday, 62-50.
Senior Isaiah Kelley (4) puts in 2 of his 10 points in Thursday's 62-50 Topeka Invitational win over SM North. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Shawnee Mission North entered the game with a 1-7 record and looked to be out-matched against the Scots, the top-ranked team in Class 5A according to the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association. But the Bison closed to within four points of the undefeated Scots 42-38 as the third period expired.
The Scots responded with a 10-0 run to open the fourth period and protected their undefeated record.
As with every game, Highland Park coach Mike Williams was focused on peaking in March.
“Playing Thursday, Friday, Saturday night, you’re playing with less rest, less prep, playing on a quick turnaround. That’s huge for us,” Williams said. “We’re trying to find ways to mimic scenarios that are like the state tournament.”
Highland Park players who have experienced the state tournament appreciate the opportunity to face teams outside of their league, and outside of the Topeka area.
“This helps prepare us to play better teams in the future,” said senior Isaiah Kelley. “Last year we played (a lot of) bad teams, so we kind of let our effort down at times. This tournament kind of helps us play in close game situations like we’ll see at state.”
Based on the records of the two teams, viewers might have expected the kind of blowout the Scots often produce. But Kelley said the Scots’ high-flying, high-scoring style can be misleading.
“Some people might not know that we’re a good fundamental team,” Kelley said. “They might think we play kind of fancy, throw lobs and all that stuff. But that’s not what we do. We can play the right way.”
Senior Mikey Williams (5) scored a game-high 23 points in Thursday's 62-50 Highland Park win over SM North. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Senior Ja'Corey Robinson scored 20 points in Thursday's 62-50 Highland Park win over SM North. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Kelley scored 10 points in support of the Scots’ usual leading scorers. Mikey Williams tossed in 23 points and Jacorey Robinson added 20.
Coach Williams was not disappointed that the Bison made such a tight game of it.
“We knew that we were walking into a good matchup,” Williams said. “They’ve been up the last several years to the TIT and they’ve always competed well. They play in a good league so, you know, they do have losses, but they’re losing to good teams.
“One thing our guys have got to realize, we’re always going to get everybody’s best shot. And that causes kids to focus a little bit more. Maybe that jump shot he doesn’t necessarily make by the numbers in every other game, he’s probably going to make it in this game. So, credit to Shawnee Mission North, but it’s also a great basketball situation for our guys to play out of and figure out over the course of that game.”
HIGHLAND PARK BOYS 62, SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH 50
Shawnee Mission North 16 9 13 12 – 50
Highland Park 24 10 8 20 -- 62
Shawnee Mission North (1-8) – Nash 1-4 0-0 2, Harris 4-8 0-0 10, Franklin 2-6 1-5 6, Casares 6-10 1-1 13, Holman 3-8 0-0 7, Kermoade 1-2 0-0 3, Dyer 0-0 0-0 0, Barnett 3-5 0-0 9. Totals 20-43 2-6 50.
Highland Park (9-0) – Wilson ,1-1 1-2 3 Hales 2-6 0-0 4, Kelley 5-7 0-2 10, Williams 6-15 4-7 23, Robinson 9-13 2-4 20, Brown 0-0 0-0 0, Kingcannon 0-1 0-0 0, Montgomery 1-2 0-0 2, Austin 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 26-45 7-15 62.
3-point goals – Shawnee Mission North 8 (Barnett 3, Harris 2, Franklin 1, Holman 1, Kermoade 1), Highland Park 3 (Williams 3). Total fouls – Shawnee Mission North 16, Highland Park 13. Fouled out – None. Technical fouls – None.
TOPEKA INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT
RESULTS THURSDAY
Highland Park 62, SM North 50
Lawrence 72, Wichita SE 67
Topeka West 76, Lansing 56
Olathe East 77, Topeka High 70 (OT)
GAMES FRIDAY
3:30 p.m. -- SM North vs. Wichita SE.
5 -- Lansing vs. Topeka High.
6:30 -- Highland Park vs. Lawrence.
8 -- Topeka West vs. Olathe East.
