Berry leads Rural into crucial stretch
Joe Berry is no stranger to overachievers. He played on a team full of them last year. Washburn Rural went 23-2 and reached the 6A state final. None of the three seniors – Jordan White, Savian Edwards and Armahn Downing…
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Continue ReadingJoe Berry is no stranger to overachievers.
He played on a team full of them last year. Washburn Rural went 23-2 and reached the 6A state final. None of the three seniors – Jordan White, Savian Edwards and Armahn Downing – jumped out at you amongst the physical specimens in the state’s largest classification. Yet there they were, playing for a title.
Berry was a key component to that squad, averaging 13 points and 4 rebounds a game as a sophomore earning honorable mention all state 6A honors. But with the seniors gone, the mantle of leadership transferred to the 6-foot-2 guard.
Berry didn’t shy away from the responsibility.
“I lead the team by trying to help guys get in the right positions, getting them ready on the defensive end,” Berry said.
Although he’s not physically imposing himself, Berry has blossomed into one of the premier players in Kansas. He fearlessly lines up against the best in the area, and produces. He averaged 22.3 points over the first seven games of the season. He’s since been slowed somewhat by defenses, but still possess an 18.8 average and has scored 20 or more in eight outings.
“I think coach is really getting us in a good position, and my teammates are getting me the ball in the right spots,” Berry said. “That’s why I’m getting so many good shots.”
Berry has had to wear many hats for Rural this season. The Junior Blues utilize a small lineup predominantly, meaning Berry is frequently seen helping bring the ball up the floor, yet posting up in the lane and guarding much taller players.
“We got a little smaller this year. We lost some big men. So I have got to play a little bit bigger role this year, guarding big men and getting rebounds. I’m having to play with the big men down there.”
What remains is shaping up to be an epic Centennial League race. Rural sits atop the heap with a 7-2 record, with Highland Park 6-2, Topeka High 6-3, Manhattan 5-3, and Topeka West 5-3. In the next two weeks, the Junior Blues will play a match with each of the four challengers.