Uplift, star guard too much for Larkin
If the past is prologue, Larkin knew not to relax.
Playing against Public League power Uplift for the third consecutive year, the Royals knew they had to account for star guard Markese Jacobs, the DePaul recruit who is the top-rated senior in the state.
Jacobs sat on the bench the first 3:42 and Larkin enjoyed the early lead. Then Jacobs appeared and the Royals' lead vanished.
"They are obviously a good team and he is a phenomenal player," Larkin coach Deryn Carter said. "We have played them enough at this point. Hopefully today is going to be a learning experience."
Jacobs scored 36 points and added five steals and five assists as the Royals were on the wrong side of a 82-41 score in a first round Proviso West Holiday tournament game Wednesday in Hillside.
The Royals (4-10) move to a consolation quarterfinal against Longwood Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
Larkin graduated its entire starting lineup from last year's Class 4A state qualifiers. Jason Johnson-Neals, a junior elevated to the varsity for the state tournament, scored 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting.
His ability to slash to the basket and pull up and hit the jumper provided the early inspiration for the Royals. Even after Jacobs was inserted into the game, Larkin only trailed 25-17 midway through the second quarter.
Jacobs buried two straight 3-pointers as part of a personal 10-0 run as Uplift (8-2) ended the second quarter on a 15-0 run that swelled its lead to 40-17 at halftime.
"This is not how we wanted to start the tournament," Johnson-Neals said. "Our offense broke down. We were not playing together, trying to do too much one-on-one and we came out flat."
Proviso West is a marquee historic event and Johnson-Neals made a strong initial impression.
"I can do it both ways, either drive or shoot if they leave me open," he said. "We are still encouraged by the rest of the tournament. Everything stays in the locker room and we know we have to come out strong (Thursday) and keep playing hard."
Sophomore shooter Trace Boley was another second quarter bright spot. He drilled his only two 3-point attempts in scoring 6 points. The Uplift defenders made a point of finding him after his early outside marksmanship.
"They were attacking me a little more and not helping as much on other shooters," Boley said. "I am just trying to get the ball moving and get open shots. If I can't get mine, I'd like to get others involved."
Most disconcerting for Carter was the Royals' inability to handle pressure. Larkin surrendered 31 turnovers, including 15 in the first half.
"We have a team full of guards, and we should not be turning the ball over the way we have been," Carter said. "It is something we have to work on, and we will. As far as our record, I don't worry about that as far as expectations. I have been a little disappointed the last week or so where we are mentally.
"We have to get better and we will."