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Ram's tournament efforts mimic his everyday play

By STEVE LEE
Published January 3, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - Dribbling the ball upcourt makes point guard Mike Lawrence the leader on nearly every Ridgewood possession.

Leading the team in scoring in each of three games during last week's William G. Hulton Jr. Ram Classic solidified the floor leader's status.

Lawrence entered that series with a 14.9 scoring average and led the host team to the final a 65-61 loss to Palm Harbor University. He scored 24 against the Hurricanes, 19 in an 84-50 win over Dunedin and 21 in a 69-56 defeat of Clearwater Central Catholic.

"The way he performed in the tournament is really what we've come to expect of him," Ridgewood coach Gary Anders said. "He's the guy we look to to be consistent and carry a big load for this team."

Lawrence, who along with forward Lukas Poderis made the all-tournament team, also averages 7.3 assists and 2.6 steals.

While Anders appreciates Lawrence's all-around game, the coach said it's the drives inside by the 5-foot-8 guard that ignite the Rams offense.

"I think that's his strength," Anders said of Lawrence's inside game. "He's got such good ballhandling skills and he's fearless going to the basket. He likes to stick his nose in there and go to the hole."

Lawrence also is virtually a lock at the line when he gets fouled inside. In last week's tournament he made 32 of 40 free throws.

Ridgewood's Class 5A, District 7 rivals Land O'Lakes and Wesley Chapel did not fare as well with the Gators going 1-2 and the Wildcats 2-1.

Joining the Ridgewood players on the all-tournament team were Wesley Chapel's Greg Jenkins and Keon Critchlow and Land O'Lakes' Dontarrius Thomas.

Ridgewood, which won classic titles last season and in 1998, made it to the final for the ninth time in the 18th annual event.

Steve Lee can be reached at lee@sptimes.com or (352) 521-6517.

[Last modified January 2, 2007, 20:59:56]