South Medford 68, Lakeridge 40: Five Takeaways

<p>Last season, South Medford certainly took their jumps on their way to a 2-22 season. This season, while still relatively inexperienced the Panthers have more than tripled their win total already with seven victories and they are hungry for more. South Medford was shorthanded in their third and final trip this season to the Portland area in their matchup against Lakeridge on Friday night, but played solid team ball to win going away, 68-40.</p> <p>The Panthers took control early as they couldn't miss from the field. With <strong>Isaiah Dye</strong> doing the damage inside, <strong>Sherman Hunter</strong> sniping away from outside, and <strong>Junior Sleezer</strong> doing it both in the paint and out, South Medford assumed a 22-10 first quarter lead and led by 17 at halftime, 40-33. Lakeridge made a run at the start of the third but the Panthers held its ground on its way to the victory. Hunter led South Medford with 18 points off of the bench, making five threes, while Dye added 16 points and eight rebounds. Sleezer finished with 13 points.</p> <p>"Our last couple of outings have been rough against a couple of really good opponents," said South Medford assistant coach Jamie Hammericksen. "To come on the road and get a big win like that going into our league, it's exactly what we needed."</p> <p><strong>Panthers Win Couple of Men Down</strong></p> <p>South Medford captured the tough road win without a few players - and their head coach - on the trip. According to Hammericksen, the flu bug ran through the squad and head coach James Wightman and some key players such as senior forward <strong>Keegan Losinski</strong> stayed at home in southern Oregon. Losinski in particular is arguably the Panthers' top player. But others stepped it up and the Panthers not only won, but won big.</p> <p><strong>South Medford Looks Like a Legit Competitor in the Southwest</strong></p> <p>Against Lakeridge, the Panthers moved the ball really well and were able to often find <strong>Isaiah Dye</strong> open underneath for an easy bucket or <strong>Sherman Hunter</strong> outside for three-point opportunities. Junior guard <strong>Junior Sleezer</strong> was particularly effective in the drive and dish, using his still-developing yet strong frame to create off the dribble and get into the lane. The Panthers also got some good bench production inside from football star <strong>Carson Cota</strong> with eight points and four boards. South Medford did a great job in controlling the backboards and limiting Lakeridge to only one shot a possession.</p> <p><strong>Hunter a Shooting Star</strong></p> <p>He's been coming off a knee injury but senior guard <strong>Sherman Hunter</strong> is starting to find a rhythm. The 5-foot-9 guard is capable of getting hot from three-point range and coming off of the bench, he can get it done in a hurry. Hunter can catch and shoot or come off of screens, and also has the ability to create off the dribble a little bit. He largely played off the ball against Lakeridge, but when given the opportunity showed he had a decent handle and made some nice passes for assists.</p> <p><strong>Sleezer an Intriguing Prospect</strong></p> <p>Only a sophomore, <strong>Junior Sleezer</strong> impressed us with a number of things. The 6-foot guard physically has a solid frame and the shoulders that indicate he could put on more muscle. He already can create off of the dribble and use his body effectively to get around and through defenders. Sleezer executed some nice drive-and-kick moves, finished a couple of buckets inside, and also stepped out and hit a three. There are definitely some improvements needed in decision making but the potential is there for him. He'll undoubtedly be in our next rankings update for the Class of 2022.</p> <p><strong>Lakeridge Will Try to Win by Committee</strong></p> <p>There have been some ups and downs for Lakeridge so far this season and the Pacers are currently in the midst of a 1-4 record in their last five games. As they enter Three Rivers League action, one thing is clear - if they are going to pull off some victories it will be as head coach Fred Gold terms it, "by committee". There doesn't seem to be one single star at Lakeridge but essentially a roster from one to eight or nine of guys who are all of similar ability. Sure some guys like <strong>Eric Struik</strong> who at 6-foot-7 will be more of a post but the rest of the squad has seen guys like <strong>Carson Mike</strong>, <strong>Mason Nelson</strong>, <strong>Clark Sheehan</strong>, and <strong>Kobe Kruse</strong> on any given night leading the team in scoring. The road is tough in the TRL but this Pacers squad has already surpassed last year's accomplishments.</p>