NOTE: The Rivals camp series continues its tour this weekend. We will be in DeSoto on Saturday. Stephen Cook and your publisher will be conducting video interviews with some of the top prospects that Baylor is pursuing. Throughout the coming days, we will share those with you. Several Baylor top prospects including Stephenville quarterback Jarret Stidham, McKinney North running back Ronald Jones II, Aledo wide receiver Ryan Newsome and Plano West running back Soso Jamabo are expected to attend.
Eubanks talks visit
Baylor still has one scholarship left to give for its 2014 class. On Tuesday, it entertained 3-star shooting guard Kobie Eubanks from Centereach, New York ? he's originally from Florida -- when Baylor played host to Iowa State.
The 6-4, 200 specialist has seen his stock rise at Our Savior New American School. He went from Pittsburgh to Baylor. While the visit was short, Eubanks took advantage of the Tuesday-Wednesday experience.
"I like Baylor's style because they're pretty open with the way they play,'' Eubanks said. "You get a lot of shots.''
Although Pittsburgh had been believed to be the leader, Eubanks said he's pretty open right now. There's a reason for that. He had a very productive season averaging more than 21 points and six rebounds.
Eubanks was also a part of the E1T1 EYBL team that won the Peach Jam last summer averaging 5.7 points in 15 games.
"Right now, I feel like I'm getting a better feel for the long range but I'm trying to work on taking it to the rack,'' he said.
Eubanks spent Wednesday taking a tour of the Baylor campus and learning a little more about the campus lifestyle. He said he had a pretty solid meeting with the Baylor coaching staff.
"I like the way they treat their players,'' Eubanks said. "I have to more visits I want to take. I'm going to Minnesota but I'm not sure about the other.''
Eubanks said he would like to make a decision when the late signing period begins in April.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Humphrey talks Baylor
League City Clear Falls product John Humphrey has seen his recruiting attention jump. He was at Oklahoma's junior day last week.
But he's also been in touch with Baylor since he received the Bears offer not long ago.
"I've talked with coach [Carlton] Buckels about coming to a practice, and I'm going to do what I can to get there,'' Humphrey said. "I'm considering them pretty strong. I think it would be a great school for me. It has what I want to major in with the medical industry.''
Humphrey isn't sure when he can get to a Rivals camp series but hopes to soon. While most schools are looking at Humphrey at wide receiver, Baylor has talked to him about defensive back, he said.
"I'm fine with that,'' he said.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Basketball 2015 targets playing to state titles
Baylor has a passionate interest in this weekend's Texas High School boys state tournament at the Erwin Center. Two 2015 standouts from Dallas are playing for state titles on Saturday.
Madison guard Admon Gilder scored 29 points (12-of-22 from the field) to lead the Trojans (29-3) to a 77-62 Class 3A semifinal victory over San Antonio Houston. Gilder never came off the floor as he played all 32 minutes. He recorded a double-double with 11 rebound. Madison is looking for consecutive state titles and faces state power Houston Yates at 10:00 a.m. Saturday.
Meanwhile Kimball guard Jawun Evans scored 23 points (8 of 15 shooting) in the Class 4A 60-56 state semifinal victory over Beaumont Central. The Knights (24-7) face Amarillo at 3:00 p.m. Saturday.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Baylor's surge makes its point
It really is no coincidence that Baylor's run of winning six out of seven to reach 20 wins and put itself back in the NCAA tournament picture can be traced to point guard Kenny Chery's health.
The basketball truism of winning with guard play has meant so much in this run. Baylor closes out the regular season Saturday at Kansas State.
He wasn't healthy when he came back from the turf toe injury. But he played about 20 minutes in the Feb. 12 game against TCU, a Baylor 91-58 win. That's when his run and Baylor's run began.
Here's a look at what Chery has done setting up the offense with assists while valuing it at the same time on turnovers.
Feb. 12 at TCU - 7 assists, 3 turnovers
Feb. 15 vs. Kansas State - 12 assists, 5 turnovers
Feb. 17 vs. Oklahoma State - 4 assists, 2 turnovers
Feb. 22 at West Virginia - 7 assists, 0 turnovers
Feb. 26 at Texas - 2 assists, 0 turnovers
March 1 vs. Texas Tech - 5 assists, 3 turnovers
March 4 vs. Iowa State - 6 assists, 1 turnover
During the run, Chery is averaging 6.1 assists and 2.0 turnovers. The standard for any successful point guard is a 2-to-1 ratio. At 3-to-1, that's gold.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Baylor scrimmage
Baylor held its first scrimmage of the spring on Thursday at the Highers Complex. Quarterback Bryce Petty threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another. Petty was very efficient completing 14-of-18 attempts.
Corey Coleman, who really was the first big-time receiver Art Briles secured in 2012, had a big day catching two passes for 112 yards including a spectacular 70-yard effort. Petty called Coleman, "a freak". The other reception was a 42-yard TD.
The young receiving corps continued to gain momentum. Robbie Rhodes, who appears to be fine from his ankle injury, caught five passes for 57 yards. Jay Lee caught a 39-yard touchdown pass. Davion Hall (shoulder) did not go through the scrimmage.
Johnny Jefferson started his spring the right way leading all running backs with 12 carries for 65 yards. Ennis product and mid-season enrollee Terence Williams had nine carries for 35 yards.
Defensively, defensive end Javonte Magee seems to have the motor going in the right direction as he collected two of the unit's 10 sacks. The other eight were distributed. Brian Nance recorded one.
-SicEmSports
Big 12 Power Ratings - Basketball
SicEmSports ranks the Big 12 teams heading into the final weekend of the regular season.
1. Kansas (23-7/14-3) - Jayhawks have the outright Big 12 championship. They have either shared or solely won 10 consecutive.
2. Oklahoma (22-8/11-6) - Sooners looking to wrap up the No. 2 seed in the conference with a win at TCU.
3. Texas (22-8/11-6) - The Longhorns may have overachieved this year but Rick Barnes has saved his job.
4. Iowa State (22-7/10-7) - Cyclones face a tough matchup with very hot Oklahoma State.
5. Oklahoma State (20-10/8-9) - The Cowboys are likely back in the NCAA tournament. Seeding becomes the goal.
6. Baylor (20-10/8-9) - Team Lazarus is also probably in the NCAA tournament. But one more win makes the Bears feel safe.
7. Kansas State (20-10/20-7) - Since beating Kansas on Feb. 10, 85-82 in double overtime, the Wildcats are 3-3.
8. West Virginia (16-14/8-9) - A 2-5 slide has the Mountaineers reeling. It's a must win Saturday against Kansas in Morgantown.
9. Texas Tech (13-17/5-12) - Tubby Smith got the max out of that horrid roster.
10. TCU (9-20/0-17) - Before the regular season finale against Oklahoma, the Horned Frogs are 2-33 in their first two years of Big 12 play.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Big Baseball weekend
Following a 3-2 victory over Lamar on Wednesday, Baylor (6-6) will play host to No. 4 Cal-State Fullerton in a 3-game series starting Friday at Baylor Ballpark.
The Bears, who had a tough road trip to San Diego last week losing all four, are currently on a five-game home winning streak. But the Titans (7-3) are coming off a sweep of Oregon State last weekend. This is the third series between the two programs. CSF leads 4-2 and won two of three in Waco and in California. The programs have not met since 2001.
In Friday's 6:35 p.m. opener, right-hander Dillon Newman (1-0, 4.11 ERA) is scheduled to start. On Saturday, left-hander Brad Kuntz (1-0, 2.40) will get the ball for the 3:05 p.m. start. Sunday's 1:05 p.m. finale is on Fox Sports Southwest. Right-hander Austin Stone (1-0, 2.20) is scheduled to start.
Baylor has outscored its opponents this year at home, 40-8.
-SicEmSports
Emptying the notebook
>It's looking like Kyle Fuller has the early edge at center. He's been working with the first team.
>LaQuan McGowan has also seen a lot of time at left guard. So far, the workouts have been impressive.
>Baylor's next spring practice will not be until March 18. The school goes on spring break next week.
>Aledo-Cedar Park on Aug. 29 will not be the only high school game played at McLane Stadium. Expect more high school games to be played there, we're told. More announcements should be coming.
-SicEmSports
This post was edited on 3/21 8:57 AM by K Lonnquist
Eubanks talks visit
Baylor still has one scholarship left to give for its 2014 class. On Tuesday, it entertained 3-star shooting guard Kobie Eubanks from Centereach, New York ? he's originally from Florida -- when Baylor played host to Iowa State.
The 6-4, 200 specialist has seen his stock rise at Our Savior New American School. He went from Pittsburgh to Baylor. While the visit was short, Eubanks took advantage of the Tuesday-Wednesday experience.
"I like Baylor's style because they're pretty open with the way they play,'' Eubanks said. "You get a lot of shots.''
Although Pittsburgh had been believed to be the leader, Eubanks said he's pretty open right now. There's a reason for that. He had a very productive season averaging more than 21 points and six rebounds.
Eubanks was also a part of the E1T1 EYBL team that won the Peach Jam last summer averaging 5.7 points in 15 games.
"Right now, I feel like I'm getting a better feel for the long range but I'm trying to work on taking it to the rack,'' he said.
Eubanks spent Wednesday taking a tour of the Baylor campus and learning a little more about the campus lifestyle. He said he had a pretty solid meeting with the Baylor coaching staff.
"I like the way they treat their players,'' Eubanks said. "I have to more visits I want to take. I'm going to Minnesota but I'm not sure about the other.''
Eubanks said he would like to make a decision when the late signing period begins in April.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Humphrey talks Baylor
League City Clear Falls product John Humphrey has seen his recruiting attention jump. He was at Oklahoma's junior day last week.
But he's also been in touch with Baylor since he received the Bears offer not long ago.
"I've talked with coach [Carlton] Buckels about coming to a practice, and I'm going to do what I can to get there,'' Humphrey said. "I'm considering them pretty strong. I think it would be a great school for me. It has what I want to major in with the medical industry.''
Humphrey isn't sure when he can get to a Rivals camp series but hopes to soon. While most schools are looking at Humphrey at wide receiver, Baylor has talked to him about defensive back, he said.
"I'm fine with that,'' he said.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Basketball 2015 targets playing to state titles
Baylor has a passionate interest in this weekend's Texas High School boys state tournament at the Erwin Center. Two 2015 standouts from Dallas are playing for state titles on Saturday.
Madison guard Admon Gilder scored 29 points (12-of-22 from the field) to lead the Trojans (29-3) to a 77-62 Class 3A semifinal victory over San Antonio Houston. Gilder never came off the floor as he played all 32 minutes. He recorded a double-double with 11 rebound. Madison is looking for consecutive state titles and faces state power Houston Yates at 10:00 a.m. Saturday.
Meanwhile Kimball guard Jawun Evans scored 23 points (8 of 15 shooting) in the Class 4A 60-56 state semifinal victory over Beaumont Central. The Knights (24-7) face Amarillo at 3:00 p.m. Saturday.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Baylor's surge makes its point
It really is no coincidence that Baylor's run of winning six out of seven to reach 20 wins and put itself back in the NCAA tournament picture can be traced to point guard Kenny Chery's health.
The basketball truism of winning with guard play has meant so much in this run. Baylor closes out the regular season Saturday at Kansas State.
He wasn't healthy when he came back from the turf toe injury. But he played about 20 minutes in the Feb. 12 game against TCU, a Baylor 91-58 win. That's when his run and Baylor's run began.
Here's a look at what Chery has done setting up the offense with assists while valuing it at the same time on turnovers.
Feb. 12 at TCU - 7 assists, 3 turnovers
Feb. 15 vs. Kansas State - 12 assists, 5 turnovers
Feb. 17 vs. Oklahoma State - 4 assists, 2 turnovers
Feb. 22 at West Virginia - 7 assists, 0 turnovers
Feb. 26 at Texas - 2 assists, 0 turnovers
March 1 vs. Texas Tech - 5 assists, 3 turnovers
March 4 vs. Iowa State - 6 assists, 1 turnover
During the run, Chery is averaging 6.1 assists and 2.0 turnovers. The standard for any successful point guard is a 2-to-1 ratio. At 3-to-1, that's gold.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Baylor scrimmage
Baylor held its first scrimmage of the spring on Thursday at the Highers Complex. Quarterback Bryce Petty threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another. Petty was very efficient completing 14-of-18 attempts.
Corey Coleman, who really was the first big-time receiver Art Briles secured in 2012, had a big day catching two passes for 112 yards including a spectacular 70-yard effort. Petty called Coleman, "a freak". The other reception was a 42-yard TD.
The young receiving corps continued to gain momentum. Robbie Rhodes, who appears to be fine from his ankle injury, caught five passes for 57 yards. Jay Lee caught a 39-yard touchdown pass. Davion Hall (shoulder) did not go through the scrimmage.
Johnny Jefferson started his spring the right way leading all running backs with 12 carries for 65 yards. Ennis product and mid-season enrollee Terence Williams had nine carries for 35 yards.
Defensively, defensive end Javonte Magee seems to have the motor going in the right direction as he collected two of the unit's 10 sacks. The other eight were distributed. Brian Nance recorded one.
-SicEmSports
Big 12 Power Ratings - Basketball
SicEmSports ranks the Big 12 teams heading into the final weekend of the regular season.
1. Kansas (23-7/14-3) - Jayhawks have the outright Big 12 championship. They have either shared or solely won 10 consecutive.
2. Oklahoma (22-8/11-6) - Sooners looking to wrap up the No. 2 seed in the conference with a win at TCU.
3. Texas (22-8/11-6) - The Longhorns may have overachieved this year but Rick Barnes has saved his job.
4. Iowa State (22-7/10-7) - Cyclones face a tough matchup with very hot Oklahoma State.
5. Oklahoma State (20-10/8-9) - The Cowboys are likely back in the NCAA tournament. Seeding becomes the goal.
6. Baylor (20-10/8-9) - Team Lazarus is also probably in the NCAA tournament. But one more win makes the Bears feel safe.
7. Kansas State (20-10/20-7) - Since beating Kansas on Feb. 10, 85-82 in double overtime, the Wildcats are 3-3.
8. West Virginia (16-14/8-9) - A 2-5 slide has the Mountaineers reeling. It's a must win Saturday against Kansas in Morgantown.
9. Texas Tech (13-17/5-12) - Tubby Smith got the max out of that horrid roster.
10. TCU (9-20/0-17) - Before the regular season finale against Oklahoma, the Horned Frogs are 2-33 in their first two years of Big 12 play.
-Kevin Lonnquist
Big Baseball weekend
Following a 3-2 victory over Lamar on Wednesday, Baylor (6-6) will play host to No. 4 Cal-State Fullerton in a 3-game series starting Friday at Baylor Ballpark.
The Bears, who had a tough road trip to San Diego last week losing all four, are currently on a five-game home winning streak. But the Titans (7-3) are coming off a sweep of Oregon State last weekend. This is the third series between the two programs. CSF leads 4-2 and won two of three in Waco and in California. The programs have not met since 2001.
In Friday's 6:35 p.m. opener, right-hander Dillon Newman (1-0, 4.11 ERA) is scheduled to start. On Saturday, left-hander Brad Kuntz (1-0, 2.40) will get the ball for the 3:05 p.m. start. Sunday's 1:05 p.m. finale is on Fox Sports Southwest. Right-hander Austin Stone (1-0, 2.20) is scheduled to start.
Baylor has outscored its opponents this year at home, 40-8.
-SicEmSports
Emptying the notebook
>It's looking like Kyle Fuller has the early edge at center. He's been working with the first team.
>LaQuan McGowan has also seen a lot of time at left guard. So far, the workouts have been impressive.
>Baylor's next spring practice will not be until March 18. The school goes on spring break next week.
>Aledo-Cedar Park on Aug. 29 will not be the only high school game played at McLane Stadium. Expect more high school games to be played there, we're told. More announcements should be coming.
-SicEmSports
This post was edited on 3/21 8:57 AM by K Lonnquist
