No matter the task, it seemed to be business as usual for L.C. Bird boys’ basketball during the 2016-17 season.
Winning a state championship was no exception, as the Skyhawks defeated Bethel, 65-52, to earn the school’s first basketball title in workman like fashion.
“We try to make everything as competitive as we can,” said L.C. Bird coach Troy Manns. “The guys have learned that from the guys that came before them. Our players want to follow in those players’ footsteps.”
L.C. Bird maintained control of the game nearly throughout, displaying a calm, cool demeanor and executing their game plan. The mastermind behind that game plan is point guard Johquin “Pinky” Wiley.
“He’s the floor general; everything’s flowing when the ball is in his hand,” said Harvard signee Mario Haskett. “When we can’t see Coach, we know he’s [Pinky] is saying the same thing.”
In each L.C. Bird game this season, it was hard to predict who the leading scorer would be. The team displayed balance throughout. In the 5A state championship game, it was Haskett who shouldered the early scoring load, collecting 13 points in the first half on the way to a team-high 20 points. The Skyhawks showed their signature balance with four players in doublefigures: Haskett, 20 points, Jaylen Dillard finished with 13 points, Wiley also had 13, Cam Henry finished with 10.
“This is a unique group of Bird takes a victory lapL.C. Bird maintained control of the game nearly throughout, displaying a calm, cool demeanor and executing their game plan. The mastermind behind that game plan is point guard Johquin “Pinky” Wiley.
“He’s the floor general; everything’s flowing when the ball is in his hand,” said Harvard signee Mario Haskett. “When we can’t see Coach, we know he’s [Pinky] is saying the same thing.”
In each L.C. Bird game this season, it was hard to predict who the leading scorer would be. The team displayed balance throughout. In the 5A state championship game, it was Haskett who shouldered the early scoring load, collecting 13 points in the first half on the way to a team-high 20 points. The Skyhawks showed their signature balance with four players in doublefigures: Haskett, 20 points, Jaylen Dillard finished with 13 points, Wiley also had 13, Cam Henry finished with 10.
“This is a unique group.
