By Andy Roberts
Herald-Journal Writer
BEAL CITY — With just under five minutes to play in last Wednesday’s regional final game between Shelby and Laingsburg, the Wolfpack had cut Shelby’s lead to six, and doubt was creeping into the heads of Tigers’ fans. After two consecutive heartbreaking losses in this round, could it be happening again?
Junior center and all-state candidate Jeff Beckman could sense it too, and he decided he wasn’t going to let it happen. The Tigers called timeout, and Beckman delivered a simple directive to his teammates: Get me the ball.
The inbounds pass went to Beckman in the lane, and he charged towards the basket as if a pack of lions wouldn’t have stopped him. He was fouled, knocked down a pair of free throws, and a minute later, scored again on a driving layup to extend Shelby’s lead to 39-29. The Tigers were never threatened again in their 46-33 victory.
“I really felt the last two years that someone needed to take over and nobody did,” Beckman said. “I just thought, why not? I might as well take it. I’m bigger than them, and I can get the foul.”
“Even in the full-court, he wanted the ball,” Shelby coach Rick Zoulek said. “He wants to shoot free throws, he wants to get the ball down here, and that’s the type of leadership we’ve had with him and Michael (James) both.”
Beckman’s free-throw shooting ability is a big reason for his late-game confidence. Through last Wednesday’s game, he is an 84.4 percent free-throw shooter, a huge benefit to have from your center.
That success is no accident. Jeff’s dad, Brian, played for Shelby and once went 39 for 39 from the charity stripe during a season. He wanted his son to equal the feat.
“My dad told me I shouldn’t miss a free throw during the year,” Beckman said. “I got out in the driveway and he rebounded for me.”
Beckman’s defensive skills have been just as vital to the Tigers’ success as his free-throw shooting. In the regional semifinal game against Beal City, Beckman was virtually everywhere in the post along with James, and without that dynamic post defense, the Tigers, who won 45-43, would likely have been upset.
After the game, each player gave Zoulek a big hug on their way to receive regional championship medals from the Tigers’ athletic director and JV coach, Chuck Persenaire. Beckman, who was last, gave out the biggest one.
"Coach Z and Coach Persenaire nag on me a lot,” Beckman said with a smile. “Our relationship is pretty special. When we moved (here), we went and talked to him and he laid out where Shelby basketball was. He’s like another grandpa to me.”
Heading into the quarterfinal game against NorthPointe Christian, Beckman sounded matter-of-fact while describing what his team needed to do to come out on top.
“We just have to go play our game,” Beckman said. “If we play defense like we have, the game isn’t any different. The rims are still 10 feet and the three-point line is still the same. We’ll be fine.”
LAINGSBURG (33) Wade 2 9-10 13, Franks 4 1-2 9, Walker 0 1-2 1, Harkness 0 2-2 2, Hayes 1 0-2 2, Richard 1 0-0 3, Mitchell 1 0-0 3. Totals 9 13-18 33.
SHELBY (46) D. Beckman 4 3-4 15, Anderson 1 0-0 2, James 4 0-5 8, Landis 1 4-8 7, J. Beckman 5 4-4 14. Totals 15 11-21 46.
Laingsburg..... 6 11 5 11 — 33
Shelby.........15 9 10 12 — 46
Three-point goals — Laingsburg 2 (Richard, Mitchell), Shelby 5 (D. Beckman 4, Landis). Total fouls — Laingsburg 19, Shelby 14. Fouled out — Anderson.
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| Shelby's Jeff Beckman missed this shot because he couldn't seem to decide between a dunk or a layup. |
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| Most of the Shelby Beckmans. |
