Stockton is catalyst for unbeaten Ferris Saxons

Eight seconds. That’s all that stood between Ferris and the end of a winning streak that had encompassed 53 games over two seasons. The Saxons trailed Shadle Park by a basket and needed to go the length of the court in Kennewick’s Toyota Center.

During a timeout, Jeff Minnerly suggested that they get the ball to Shawn Stockton and let him make the decision – whether to go coast to coast and finish or, depending upon the defense, find an open man.

Stockton streaked up court, split defenders and from the right side banked a layin off the glass and through the net. Time ran out by the time the ball hit the floor.

That one dramatic play is all you need to know about why Stockton was MVP of last year’s State 4A basketball tournament for the 29-0 titlists. Washington coaches this year voted him their player of the year.

His offensive numbers may be down this season, but when a big play has been needed, count on Stockton to deliver.

“He comes early and stays late. He makes the decision what the team’s wearing, about the team lunch and where and who needs a ride. He gives me a lot of input in games,” said Ferris coach Don Van Lierop. “Shawn is just a steadying person. Since the day he came to Ferris, in every sport mentally and physically he’s been so strong.”

His first two years on varsity Stockton was a double-figure scorer. This year he’s averaging a shade less than nine points per game. It doesn’t matter.

“My big thing is I don’t care if I score two points or 20,” Stockton said. “I’ll do whatever is needed to win and I’m more than willing to throw it inside every play.”

With players like DeAngelo Casto and Jared Karstetter, the decision is obvious. With guards the caliber of Minnerly and Erick Cheadle, unless it’s absolutely necessary – and Saturday he scored 15 points – scoring doesn’t concern him.

It is team that matters and team is why the Saxons have won 54 in a row as they set about defending their state championship tonight at 5 against Garfield in the Tacoma Dome.

Just like last year, Karstetter has led Ferris scoring with a 14.7 average. Like last year, Casto has increased the ante in postseason, averaging 21.6 points in five district and regional games. Minnerly’s increased role has produced 11.2 points per game, a reason why Stockton hasn’t felt the need to be as prolific as last year.

“Everybody likes each other,” said Stockton of Ferris’ team success. “Off the court, we’re the best of friends and do things together. (On the court) no one’s afraid to get after one another if they’re not playing hard. There’s a trust factor deep down and that’s good.”

For his part, Stockton said he has tried to mature as a player and a leader.

He suited up for state as a freshman and scored a basket. Since then, his game has evolved both in season and during the summers when he faced some of the nation’s best talent in national tournaments.

“You realize if you play your style of ball and get after it, they are not that much better,” he said. “Maybe quicker and in it for flashy dunks – which obviously I’m not – but in the big picture, if you play hard and are team oriented you will give them trouble.”

In Tacoma last year when Stockton was named tourney MVP, a player who originally thought he’d be a football player in college came up on college basketball’s radar. It was reinforced by his summer play and he chose Montana for hoops.

This year, state high school coaches also recognized his contributions with their state player of the year honor.

“You don’t go in trying to be MVP,” Stockton said. “Last year it was kind of icing on the cake after we got that championship. It was nice to be recognized by the coaches for the floor part of the game, even if you’re not scoring as much.”

Still, individual accolades are the least of his concern. A year ago, the team traveled to Tacoma with something to prove, he said. This year, little thought has been given to the state 4A-record winning streak and the Saxons know the target is now on their back. But the approach at state will be the same, taking each game as it comes.

“We’ve been around the block a few times and have four starters back,” said Stockton. “We’ve been there and know what it takes. We know nothing will be given to us and that we’ll need to earn it even more.”