Heights streak hits 58 with latest win

By Jeffrey Lutz/The Wichita Eagle

Published Feb. 7 at 11:59 p.m. | Last updated Feb. 8 at 12 a.m.

Simplifying the contributions of Heights’ three best boys basketball players would be to say that they combined for 58 points in the Falcons’ 78-51 win over West on Tuesday night.

Such simplification nullifies the true traits of Perry Ellis, Terrence Moore and Gavin Thurman. Their physical attributes suggest that they could be limited, but they often find ways to escape generalizations.

Their collective versatility was embodied against the Pioneers, particularly during a 7-0 first-quarter run that highlighted skills that aren’t always their most noticeable. They combined to lead Heights to its 58th straight win, one short of tying the state record.

"We’re the leaders of the team," Thurman said. "As the year goes on, we’re getting better as far as chemistry, and we’re looking to build on that."

With the score tied 9-9, Thurman pulled up for a three-pointer that gave Heights the lead, one that it would keep throughout. Thurman is 6-foot-8 with skills in the paint, as his 12 rebounds Tuesday suggests, but he’s also adept at shooting from and defending the perimeter.

Heights’ next basket came when Ellis drove the lane for a running leaner. Ellis, also 6-8, is dominant in the post, where his leaping ability and agility make him an impossible matchup for opposing defenders.

Ellis has also proven his ability to shoot from 16 feet and beyond, but his ball-handling skills are rarely displayed. His driving basket was as in-control as the rest of his well-rounded game.

Moore finished off the run, which was completed in 54 seconds, with a transition basket. Moore, the Falcons’ senior guard, is often a catalyst for getting the Heights big men involved, and he’s a lockdown defender, but he has frequently shown his ability to lead the break.

Ellis, in his first game since being recognized as the City League’s career scoring leader, scored 32 points on 10 of 11 shooting and 12 of 15 free throws while notching 11 rebounds. Thurman’s double-double was completed with 18 points.

Moore scored eight, a dangerous sign for teams who hope Heights is vulnerable when one of its big three doesn’t score much.

"We’re still figuring it out offensively," Heights coach Joe Auer said. "We lost all of our guards from last year except for Terrence. I think we’re getting closer to being an effective postseason team offensively."

Thurman, a Southeast transfer in his first year with the Falcons, has become impressed with the way his teammates have jelled.

"You can feel it on the court," Thurman said. "You can anticipate where guys are going to be at on the court and where guys want the ball and where they’re comfortable with the ball. You can tell we’re building as a team."

HEIGHTS: Moore 4 0-0 8, Lynch 1 0-0 2, Bell 2 1-1 5, Thurman 7 2-2 18, P. Ellis 10 12-15 32, B. Ellis 1 0-2 2, Moreland 2 2-2 6, Reed 1 0-0 2, Kolbeck 1 1-2 3. Totals 29 (2) 18-24 78.

WEST: Brown 3 0-0 8, Hardy 1 2-2 4, Thomas 9 2-4 20, Wilson 5 0-0 10, Moore 0 1-2 1, Kelly 1 5-9 8. Totals 19 (3) 10-19 51.