4 Questions: Delhi Bears

<p>Today we are going to spotlight the Delhi Bears. Delhi has once again claimed the district 2-1A championship. They are loaded with skill and length. The #4 ranked Bears come in with an overall record of 24-7 and a district record of 13-1. They go 6'4, 6'5, 6'6 across their back 3 guys. Head coach Ramon Lusk has the Bears primed for another run deep into the playoffs in his third year as head coach. We are going to look at 4 storylines to watch for going forward for the Bears.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>1. Can anyone slow down Tyler Washington?</strong></p> <p>6'6 senior forward Tyler Washington is having himself quite the senior season. He is averaging 20 points and 10.3 rebounds per game on the year. Tyler has developed into a nice threat from outside, as well as being able to use his long frame to score the ball in the post when needed. His tremendous wingspan helps him in multiple areas of the game, especially on the defensive end where he can defend multiple positions. Tyler has shown the ability to step out and handle the ball when needed, but he also has the ability to post up smaller defenders. Perhaps his best part of his game is when he gets going in transition. At 6'6 with guard-like ball skills, Washington is tough to stop when he is attacking the rim. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>2. Who can slow down their pace of play?</strong></p> <p>It will be very interesting to see who in class 1A can find a way to match up with Delhi's size going forward. One thing that I see Delhi being able to use to their advantage is only having to send 2-3 guys to glass and then being able to get the ball over the top for easy transition buckets. As they get deeper into the playoffs, it will be intriguing to see if anyone can slow down their transition game. It will take a team with the ability to rebound with them to make Delhi send more than their normal amount of guys for the rebound. This is the only chance I see anyone having of slowing down Delhi in transition. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>3. Can they match last season's magic?</strong></p> <p>Coach Lusk has done a tremendous job of replacing the 4 seniors from last year's class 1A state runner up team. The Bears are currently sitting at number 4 in this year's LHSAA class 1A power rankings. Coach Lusk has done a very good job of getting a few guys comfortable in new roles with this year's team. Washington took over as the lead guy with little to no hesitation at all. In the games I've seen them play this season, Washington always finds a way to score the big buckets when needed. They will more than likely have to go through a rematch with the defending state champion in White Castle to reach the state championship game once again. I expect Delhi will be more seasoned for the bright lights this time around if that matchup does take place in the semifinals. </p> <p><strong>4. Can someone provide an inside presence to counter Delhi's size?</strong></p> <p>In the post, Delhi is led by 6'5 junior Quatarious Jones. Over the course of the season, Jones has become more and more comfortable with his back to the basket on the offensive side of the ball. He's always had the ability to disrupt shots and rebound the ball effectively, but some,including myself, have questioned his ability to score the ball at an effective rate. Over the course of the last few weeks of district play, Jones has answered all of his critics by showing his ability to post with his back to the basket and score the ball. He also has done a good job of passing the ball to cutters when he is doubled in the post. Jones will play a big part in Delhi's run if they are able to make it back to the state tournament. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I fully expect to see Delhi competing for a spot to make the final four in class 1A. They are long enough to make them a matchup nightmare for class 1A schools. They also have the experience on their side this year, as they were playing for a state championship in early March last year. It should be very interesting to see how these storylines play out over the next few weeks. </p>