“We’ve been getting it going and our record speaks for itself,” assistant coach Maximillion Lewis said of the fortunes of the 2018-19 Vero Beach High varsity boys basketball team. “We are trying to put up one of the best records that we have ever had here.”
What Lewis referred to by “getting it going” was the style of play that boosted the Fighting Indians’ record to 19-2 after a 79-56 defeat of Treasure Coast last week. That concluded the district schedule with Vero in firm control at 8-0 and staking claim to the No. 1 seed in the postseason tournament.
“Our style is that we like to get out and run,” Lewis explained. “That’s what we are best at, getting out on the break and running. There aren’t many teams in this area that are as athletic as we are. We are certainly the most athletic team in our district, so as far as running with us, not many teams can do it. We have to make that our main focus and use that to our advantage.”
None of that implies that any of these games are cakewalks, including within the district. The coaching staff is pleased so far, but ever cautious in the messaging that is continuously drilled into the heads of the players.
“The season has gone well, but we need to understand that we have to finish strong,” head coach Damion Whitsett told us. “We want to be playing our best basketball when the district tournament starts. I preach to these guys to take it one game at a time.
“Our district is tough and we cannot take anybody lightly. Our goals are to win the district tournament and see what we can do in the state playoffs. We have some pretty skilled players and they have been playing well together. They just need to stay level headed.”
Getting out in transition and turning the game into a track meet is obviously working. Versatility also appears to be a critical factor for a team counting on dominant guard play.
“We try to play at least eight,” Lewis said. “That’s about as far into the lineup that we really want to go. “If it’s a blowout we try to get all of our players in. We still have to prepare for games down the stretch. We want to be prepared for any situation, so we want to get as many players as we can into every game. But about eight usually see some serious court time.
“The teams in our district all put up a good fight and I’m glad we are undefeated. Some of their records don’t speak to how hard they play. We can’t afford to look past anybody. We have to play every game like it is our last. Anybody can put up a good fight and hand us a loss.”
Riley Minix paces a nicely balanced attack with 17 points per game. Javian Cuff and Tommie Lewis are right behind with 15 ppg. Marquezz Henry is hovering around 10 ppg. Tyrone Anderson is the fifth starter, with Kenny Placide, Jermaine Dawson, Almondo Cyrius and Dustyn Kelly all in the mix. The two sophomores in this group, Dawson and Cyrius, have blended in well with these seven seniors.
“We expect everybody to do everything out there,” said Lewis. “It’s a team sport and we don’t focus on any individual. We know that nobody can — or will — slack on the court. Everybody must get rebounds, steals, assists, everything.
“I also feel like we are pretty good down low. Our big guys are strong, smart and they know what they are doing. You can’t look past that. Sure, we have some guards, but if you look at our tallest guy, (6-foot-5) Riley Minix, he plays like a guard. You can’t beat that. He gets us about eight rebounds a game, he can handle the ball, and take you down low. He can basically do it all.
“At any time somebody can hit you up for 30, maybe even 40. That might be a bit of a stretch, but Cuff hit 30, Riley was close, same with Tommie. I think they all can do it. They are that talented and I feel like these guys can go on to the next level and play competitively.”
However, the current business at hand is more pressing, but as noted that is the style these players have adopted so masterfully. The regular season comes to a close with an away game at Melbourne High this Friday. The second season starts next week with Centennial hosting the district tournament.
