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by Michael Smith Grain Valley senior Raif Graham isn’t a regular in the rotation of the Grain Valley boys basketball team, but he’s still an important contributor. Senior guard Jack Schoen said Graham is the team’s “biggest cheerleader.” Graham also has served as the glue guy for the Eagles and a vocal leader. He doesn’t always see the floor but when he does, he gets the loudest cheers from the players on the bench and the student section. In a game earlier during the season against Fort Osage, students were chanting for Herbert to put Graham in the game. Graham did get some playing time in Tuesday’s non-conference matchup against Excelsior Springs and had an impact as he scored six points in a 68-18 trashing of the Tigers at Grain Valley High School. “He brings a lot more to this team that people realize,” Grain Valley head coach Andy Herbert said. “He brings energy every day to practice. He’s meant so much to this team. He keeps our spirits up.” Whenever Graham scored, the cheers from the bench were a little louder than normal. It is apparent Graham is a popular player amongst his teammates. “It just means everything to me to be respected and loved by the team and the crowd,” Graham said. “That's part of my role to step in and step up when I am needed.” Schoen said the team was happy to return the favor to Graham for cheering them on by giving him vocal support. “The best part of watching film is watching Raif’s reaction,” Schoen said. “When he gets out there and scores, we have to give it back to him. “He was out there hustling, playing good defense.” Along with Graham, juniors Caleb Lunn and Tucker Hughes, who aren’t a part of the regular rotation, got some playing time as well as Herbert was able to empty his bench in a blowout. Grain Valley took an 18-4 lead at the end of the first period and went into halftime up 33-9. The Eagles ballooned the lead to 55-11 going into the fourth and cruised from there. Overall, the Eagles defense stymied Excelsior Springs. “In the first half, our rotations were a little off,” Graham said. “At halftime, we got a little talking to by Coach Herbert. He was really nice and subtle about it. We just have to keep them in front, be ready and provide help defense.” Sophomore Eli Herbert led all scorers with 15 points and seniors Logan Marcum and Jack Schoen added 12 each.  Grain Valley senior Raif Graham got some playing time and scored six points in Grain Valley's 68-18 blowout over Excelsior Springs Tuesday at home. Graham, who doesn't always get playing time, has been a valuable player behind the scenes for the Eagles, according to head coach Andy Herbert. Photo credit: Michael Smith  Grain Valley sophomore Eli Herbert drives to the basket. Herbert had a game-high 15 points. Photo credit: Michael Smith  Grain Valley senior Jack Schoen leads the fast break. Photo credit: Michael Smith
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