BOYS BASKETBALL: Kent-Meridian enjoying reversal of fortunes

This is their chance.

For the first time in a long time, the Kent-Meridian High boys basketball team is starting to believe.

Believe in themselves. Believe in each other. And, finally, believe a playoff berth isn’t just possible, but expected.

After five downright difficult seasons in which the Royals won a combined 7 games in the South Puget Sound League North Division, the worm has turned in K-M’s favor. One doesn’t need to look any further for evidence than last week’s 47-42 upset of previously third-ranked Kentwood.

It was Kent-Meridian’s fourth league victory of the season. Fourth.

And it came in K-M’s sixth league game of the winter.

“Just knowing that we’ve been getting blown out by (Kentwood) for so many years … this is our chance,” said point guard D’Juan Miller. “All the seniors have been here for a long time. We’ve prepared for this for years.”

Indeed the Royals have. However, they haven’t just been preparing for a single big victory or a late-season postseason run. No, this push at the East Hill school is instead about building for this year, but also those ahead.

It’s about getting the Royals back to the top of the SPSL North, a place K-M resided not so long ago. It’s about regaining respectability and tradition.

On the court, however, it’s about executing a the vision Brian Lockhart had for the program when he took it over three years ago. That vision revolves around defense and an up tempo, frenetic — almost chaotic — style of play. Against Kentwood, the Royals were able to put both to work in the first and fourth quarters, when they outscored the Conquerors 39-19.

“I said my first year, we were going to be a defensive team,” Lockhart said. “Last year, we took another step.”

Many more steps still remain, but in the topsy turvy world that has become the SPSL North this winter, the Royals have blossomed into not only legitimate playoff contender, but challengers to the league crown as well. In essence, the Royals have gone from the bottom last year (2-14 in league) to near the top this winter. K-M (5-3 in league and tied with Kentwood for third) will try and continue that momentum at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14, when it kicks off the second half of the league season against Mount Rainier at Mill Creek Middle School.

The key to the Royals has been as much about defense as it has been about another year of experience for the players in Lockhart’s system. But it’s also about distribution, which is where Miller comes in. Generously listed at 5-foot-6 on the roster, the K-M point guard might be the shortest player in the SPSL North. What Miller lacks in size, however, he more than makes up for in talent, athleticism and basketball IQ.

“Pound for pound, D’Juan’s a top three player in the league,” Lockhart said. “His quickness is second to none.”

The type of player who can create his own shot with ease, Miller entered the week averaging a team-high 16.5 points per game.

“He can fill it up and he’s very crafty. I am very impressed with his body control and how he uses his speed and quickness,” said Kentwood coach Brian Davis. “He’s a little spark plug.”

Miller was exactly that in the win over the Conquerors, scoring seven of his game-high 11 points in the fourth quarter, including a pivotal 3-pointer.

Despite being able to “fill it up,” Miller looks more for the assist than the bucket.

“He told me after scoring 32 points in back-to-back games to open the season that he didn’t want to be that way,” Lockhart said. “He wants to be a distributor and we need him to be a distributor.”

But Miller hasn’t been the entire key to the Royals’ success, nor will he be the team’s primary offensive weapon in its playoff push.

“(To make the playoffs) we need to play defense, and play together. That’s all we need to do,” said Miller, who insists he can dunk with two hands.

Playing together and depth has been a K-M staple all season. So much so that six players are averaging six or more points per game (Miller, Martel Taylor-Barone, Jordan Thompson Walker, Tyree Bagley and Sergio Arroyo). No other team in the North can boast of such scoring depth.

Adding to K-M’s rise is the Taylor-Barone, a 6-5 sophomore who has matured into a physical presence in the paint.

“I think they’re the deepest team in the league … they play everybody and wear you down,” said Kentridge coach Dave Jamison.

Bagley, who hasn’t played organized basketball in three years, also has been key, averaging nearly 10 points per game in less than a month of action.

“This isn’t the type of team I thought would come out of the gate fast, but a team that I thought would come together as the season wore on,” Lockhart said.

The Royals have done just that.

And, in the process, given themselves a chance.