THE FRONTRUNNERS
Consensus is that there are no major front runners outside of Pace Academy for the 6-2A Region and the state.
On the other side of the river however lurks a Pride of hungry Lions ready to strike down the Knights and any other opposition in the midst of Battle.
Mike Harner is a competitor and garners the attention of his team at the highest level.
He gets them to execute offensively and play hard until the clock sounds. You can’t ask for more from a HS Coach.
Coach Mike Harner has had an intriguing unit for the past couple of years. This current Band of Brothers is led by the Rivals Top 100 4star prospect and 7ft shot blocking specialist — Georgetown commit, Ryan Mutombo and Christian Anderson Jr.. Mutombo is a force inside averaging 20pts, 10rebs and 2 blks per game. Christian Anderson Jr., the freshman prospect is the perimeter threat averaging 16ppg and is the teams’ second leading scorer.
The Lovett Pride features seniors Jay Joshi and Zach Minetola and sophomore combo guard, 6’4 Kyle Walters.
The latest addition to the Lovett Lions is Freshman Point Guard Chris Anderson Jr., who has balanced both sides of the floor with his high IQ and playmaking ability. Coach Harner’s trust in his players is palpable. The freshman prospect plays 30mpg and the coach’s confidence in him allows him to play free in a system. He’s been adding value and consistency since the opening scrimmage at Mount Pisgah.
Anderson has had 6 20+pt games
Together this group can bring home a state title.
Defensively they’ve proven themselves. The team is disciplined, they chatter on ball swings, get deflections and don’t give up many straight line drives. Having Mutumbo as an anchor keeps even the best teams out of the paint. Lovett has only lost when giving up 66 or more points. They held Pace Academy to 64 after the first game in region and could have won the game. Which leads to offense. The Lions first order of business should be to take care of the ball vs the press, make the easy decision in transition and grade shot selection.
They have the tools: an anchor in the paint that protects the rim who doesn’t miss from the paint and converts at the free throw line. A shifty 4 level scoring super teammate that shoots 50% from 3pt and makes plays of the bounce and gritty teammates who are scrappy and convert when needed to release pressure.
Referring to the latter is what will transform this region player to a bonafide state title contender come 2nd week of March. RR
