McLaughlin has emerged for Bishops
Senior post player leads team in field goal percentage and rebounding
ZANESVILLE - There's an air of confidence around the Rosecrans boys basketball team these days.
The Bishops' 59-45 win against Claymont on Friday night at Rogge Gymnasium was their 13th in 14 games since a 3-5 start, and a suddenly balanced lineup has leaned less on 3-point shooting and more on interior play and rebounding.
The Bishops shot only 38 percent and hit only 2 of 21 3-pointers against the Mustangs, yet still posted four scorers in double figures led by senior Keagan McLaughlin's game highs of 17 points and 13 rebounds.
The 6-foot-3 senior, who combines quickness with a soft touch around the basket, is shooting better than 60 percent from the field and leading the team with 6.0 rebounds per game. His emergence as a consistent double-figure scorer has been one of the key components during the team's impressive run of consistency.
So has the all-around play of Travis Johnston, the ballyhooed football standout who is known more for unselfish hustle plays than offense on the hardwood. But against the Mustangs he didn't just score 11 points -- one shy of his season high — but pulled down 12 rebounds, handed out a game-high eight assists and tallied five steals.
None of this has been lost on veteran Rosecrans coach Todd Rock, who praised both of them following Friday's Senior Night win.
"Keagan is getting better and better," Rock said. "Travis, when he leads the break, gives us another dimension. He and Keagan both had double-doubles (against Claymont) and that only makes us better."
McLaughlin, destined for Notre Dame on a soccer scholarship, downplayed his improved play this season, only saying that he enjoys the physical play inside and is finally getting healed from a hand injury suffered Dec. 28 against Crooksville.
He instead pointed to the leadership of classmates like Johnston, Aaron Gehlken and Michael Fisher as the focal point of the team turning the proverbial corner.
"We have to continue to stay focused in practice and communicate," McLaughlin said. "We are finally starting to practice to our full potential and those guys are a big reason why."
The regular season schedule, especially in the first month, was nothing short of grueling. Ten of their opponents won at least 11 games and five won at least 15. It was taxing, especially in league play as the season progressed.
The tournament opener, a home game against Bellaire St. John, isn't until Feb. 28.
"We're going to give them some days off to rest and get refocused," Rock said. "We'll come in Monday and Tuesday and then come back on Saturday and start prepping for the tournament."
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