Lee’s Summit West came into this week in the “Others Receiving Votes” category of the Class 5 Missouri Basketball Coaches Association poll. They won’t be there next week.
After upsetting previously-undefeated #1 Hickman 72-55 on Jan. 22, the Titans (12-2) defeated #8 Rock Bridge 70-47 in championship of the 39th annual Culver’s Classic.
“We knew what we were going up against tonight and they just had a lot of talent that we don’t posses,” senior point guard Jackson Dubinski said. “We’ve had a great couple weeks and a tough stretch of games and to only lose one is pretty impressive, so I’m proud of our guys for hanging in there tonight.”
Despite a competitive first quarter after which the Bruins (13-3) only trailed 15-13, LSW began to pull away and led 39-23 at the half following an 8-0 run.
The third quarter ended with the Bruins down 52-36 despite the best efforts of Josh Broadus, who led the team in scoring. In the end, the Titans’ accuracy from the field and at the line – where they ended up often – led to the Bruins’ downfall. Monte Harrison of LSW, who landed a spot on the all-tournament team, also had a tremendous night, continuously driving to the basket and drawing fouls. Fellow Titan Jarred Dixon also made the team, along Hickman star Jimmy Whitt. Dubinski and junior guard Ryan Kreklow were named to the all-tournament team for the Bruins.
“Honestly we just need to touch up on executing offensively and protecting the rim defensively,” Dubinski said. “We can play with anybody. I just need to step my game up and play how I know how to play.”
By Brett Stover