Lester Diaz,
Lafayette’s senior sensation, is averaging over 30 points a game with a style
equal parts elusive, fast, versatile, and potent. This is NOT hyperbole, folks. “Lester Basketball” is catching people’s
attention! One of the area’s top
officials commented to Lafayette head coach Karl Maggiore, “His statistics
speak for themselves.”
After Diaz eluded
three trapping defenders in the capacious-challenged Lafayette gym, Olmsted’s
head coach incredulously turned to a security guard, “I hope you got that on
film!” The security guard, also a
formidable player and student of the game, has closely observed Diaz these past
two years. With each gravity-defying
move, he shakes his head in wonder and repeats a negative-affirmative for point
of emphasis, “Lester’s moves are just plain nasty!”
Defenders know how nasty it can be to guard Diaz. Almost no one can check the Lafayette point guard one on one because his speed, quickness, and ability to hang in the air are uncanny. As team’s attempt to trap him, they commit costly fouls when he spins, crosses over, or surges through a gap that is seemingly only inches wide. Over the last three games, Diaz has scored 43, 42, and 41 points respectively, to lead the Violets to three straight wins and a share of first place in the Yale Cup League II. Unquestionably he is a prolific scorer, but Maggiore instead lauds Lester as one of the most unselfish players he has ever coached.
One thing is for sure, “Lester Basketball” promises to make
the Yale Cup and the Sectionals in Western New York very interesting this
year. Diaz will no doubt have maddening
effects on opposing defenses as the basketball faithful enthusiastically brace
for the intensity of March Madness.
Story by Patrick Foster
No comments:
Post a Comment