However unofficial it might be, Sparta’s Jake Lafferty is second in the state in rebounding and fourth in scoring, according to MaxPreps.com.
Lafferty entered this week averaging 12.9 rebounds a game for the 13-2 Trojans. Earlier this season, he reached the 1,000-rebound milestone for his career.
Lafferty’s rebounding totals include an average of 10.1 defensive rebounds a game and 2.8 offensive boards a night.
The state’s leading rebounder is Kevin Johnson, of Kansas City East Christian Academy. He is averaging 13.2 rebounds a game.
Lafferty, who reached the 2,000-point milestone for his career earlier this season, is averaging 27.5 points a game.
He is one of 20 players statewide who average at least 20 points a game.
Topping the state is Ryder Williams, of Versailles. The 6-foot-3 shooting guard and Baptist Bible College commit is averaging 35.2 points a game.
Ranking second is Michael Howard, of Plattsburg. His nightly norm is 34.1 points.
Third is New Madrid County Central’s Jadis Jones, who is at 27.6 points a game. Nixa fans are familiar with Jones. He and the Eagles will return to the Nixa Invitational Tournament next week.
Lafferty leads Sparta in practically every offensive and defensive category. Besides his scoring and rebounding, his averages include 2.3 steals, 2.1 assists, 1.4 deflections, 0.8 blocks and 0.4 charges drawn.
Lafferty is shooting at a 58.5-percent clip from the field, including 37.9-percent 3-point accuracy. He is a 68-percent shooter at the free-throw line, where he is averaging 6.7 attempts a game.
The Trojans’ LeeAnthony Mayes is also shooting 58 percent from the field. A first-year starter, he is averaging 7.8 points a game.
Sparta point guard Walker Loveland owns 1.85 assists/turnover ratio. He is averaging 4.2 assists and 2.3 turnovers a game.
Loveland is also averaging 7.0 points and 4.2 rebounds a game.
