Columbia native looking forward to Kansas State

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Feb 16, 2003 by Kevin Haskin Capital-Journal

Harris among five Wildcat recruits gearing up at high schools, juco

By Kevin Haskin

The Capital-Journal

COLUMBIA, Mo. --- When Kansas State went on a recruiting dig into Missouri's backyard, the Wildcats discovered what they hope was a gem the Tigers overlooked.

Before Missouri mildly considered Lance Harris, the 6-foot-4 guard from Columbia Hickman High School had narrowed his choices to K- State and Iowa.

He didn't really consider the rejection from his hometown university, a program ranked No. 21, too big a blow.

"Not really," Harris said. "It was a little bit, because it is in my hometown, but I liked the players and the coaches at K-State."

Hickman coach Jim Sutherland helped explain the dynamics.

"With (Rickey) Paulding there and the people they were looking at, they were not really interested in him," Sutherland said. "A lot of people got out of the race early because of academics, but he's on track there now.

"Sometimes a kid in the backyard isn't as good as a kid sitting in Michigan, Louisiana or Miami. There's always better players than who's in the backyard. A player's faults are a lot more vivid when he's sitting in the hometown."

While Harris may have some faults, they aren't immediately noticeable. He scored 20 points Friday night against Jefferson City, including 11 in the third quarter to break open Hickman's 12th straight win.

"This was like practice really," Harris said afterward. It's just good practice for getting ready for districts. Those are the real games. You don't want to lose those."

Harris is averaging 22 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists for Hickman, which won two tournaments during an eight-day holiday stretch, prevailing in Lee's Summit, Mo., before knocking off one of Minnesota's defending state champions in Minneapolis.

Harris was named to all-tournament teams both times, as well as at a tournament in Arkansas earlier in the season. While Sutherland said he uses Harris "anywhere he wants," he mostly plays on the wing and has a fluid mid-range jumper.

"Lance has athleticism and a good skill level for his size," said K-State coach Jim Wooldridge, who began recruiting Harris at last summer's Nike All-America Invitational camp. "He's got good offensive skills and tools that we think he can use at a very high level --- speed, quickness, good jumping ability, a rangy player, shoots the ball and can extend the defense.

"He's got some offensive weapons we can use. We could use them right now."

Harris was one of five recruits the Cats signed in November. He is not yet met NCAA eligibility requirements as he continues to attempt to boost his core credits and is awaiting the results of a second ACT exam.

Kansas State recruiting update

LANCE HARRIS

Columbia (Mo.) Hickman H.S.

Position: Guard

Height: 6-4

Academic status: Not qualified yet.

2002-03 statistics: 22 ppg., 5 rpg., 3 apg.

Notes: Springfield Kickapoo was ranked No. 1 when Harris scored 28 points in that meeting. ... Had game-winning shots in two mid-season tournament games.

Comment: "He's developed into a very competitive player for us and loves the game. He shoots the ball very well mid-range and shoots off the dribble well, plus he can get out and finish in the open court." - -- Columbia Hickman coach Jim Sutherland.

TYLER HUGHES

Olathe North H.S.

Position: Center/Forward

Height: 7-0

Academic status: Qualified.

2002-03 statistics: 13 ppg., 10 rpg.

Notes: Grown an inch this season to become a 7-footer. ... Better away from the basket, where he can shoot the mid-range jumper. ... Did not start playing basketball until ninth grade.

Comment: "He's played well lately after starting slow. We graduated three very strong-willed seniors who all play college football now and he had to step up early and he wasn't ready for it."

CARTIER MARTIN

Houston Nimitz H.S.

Position: Forward

Height: 6-7

Academic status: Not qualified yet.

2002-03 statistics: 22 ppg., 10 rpg., 3 bpg.

Notes: Playing for first-year coach who contends the 210-pound Martin "is not nearly as strong as his body is capable of handling." ... Has a qualifying score on his ACT, but still needs to build his core grades.

Comment: "Initially he was relying too much on shots he took to the rim and teams were defending him on that, but he's improved a lot, shooting the ball a lot more on the floor and has had a couple of games with seven or eight assists." --- Nimitz coach Randy Gilmer.

JEREMIAH MASSEY

Oxnard (Calif.) Community College

Position: Forward

Height: 6-8

Academic status: On pace to transfer.

2002-03 statistics: 23.0 ppg., 12.3 rpg.

Notes: Native of Detroit. ... Tabbed by Lindy's as the No. 2 juco power forward. ... High game was 43 points. ... Favorite for player- of-the-year honors in Western State Conference.

Comment: "Jeremiah may be the player of the year in the state. They got a steal and got a catch, and hopefully it will work out for Kansas State." --- Oxnard coach Ron McClerkan.

DEZ WILLINGHAM

DeSoto (Texas) H.S.

Position: Point guard

Height: 5-11

Academic status: Qualified.

2002-03 statistics: 19.5 ppg., 9.2 apg.

Notes: Started some as a freshman. ... Tremendous passer. ... Collected 32 points and 13 assists in a recent game. ... Team is 26- 6 entering playoffs.