Hughes, Olmstead showcase skills in Eagles’ 75-46 rout of Bears

by Michael Smith, Grain Valley News


Grain Valley junior Eli Herbert is a special player.

He is the engine that powers the Grain Valley boys basketball team’s offense as he has averaged 25 points per game to lead the Eagles.

He did that once again in Grain Valley’s Suburban White Conference matchup with William Chrisman Friday following a 26-point game, but there were a pair of other players who had a chance to show what they could do.

Both of those players came off the bench. Senior guard Tucker Hughes scored 13 points, grabbed three rebounds and had three assists; and junior Bennett Olmstead showed his all-around game, putting in nine points, bringing down seven rebounds, getting six assists and swiping two steals in a 75-46 rout Friday at William Chrisman High School.

Hughes gave Herbert support by scoring all 13 of his points in the first half, including a trio of 3-pointers. After playing for the junior varsity team for his first three years of high school, he finally got his opportunity to crack the rotation for the varsity squad and he’s been a valued addition, head coach Andy Herbert said.

“Tucker has been shooting the ball well as of late,” said Herbert, whose team improved to 13-8 overall and 9-1 in the conference. “He’s done a good job getting some tough rebounds. He wants to do what he’s supposed to. He doesn’t want to make mistakes. He’s a coach’s dream. It’s been good to see him get in there an make a big impact.”

Olmstead, like Herbert, has been impressed with how Hughes has been playing as of late.

“He’s been shooting the leather off the ball,” Olmstead said. “He’s bringing energy to the team. He’s hitting everything and flying around on defense.”

Hughes said his shot has started to feel better late in the season.

“At the first half of the season, I wasn’t hitting a lot of shots,” Hughes said. “Four games ago, I started hitting shots and gaining a lot of confidence. I have been feeling good about it.”

Olmstead came into the game in the second quarter and got a lot of minutes with the Eagles leading by double digits from the middle of the first period on. He flashed his all-around game and beat Chrisman defenders of the dribble for layups, he hit a three from the wing, he crashed the boards and made a pair of impressive passes.

He drove to the basket, leaped like he was going up for a layup while drawing a double team, flipped an underhanded pass to an open Kevin Johnson, who put in a layup late in the third period. He also fit a bounce pass in between two defenders, while junior forward Ryan Schoen finished a layup while getting fouled.

“I give it to the guys I play with every day and practice with,” Olmstead said. “Our guys fly around on defense and go against that in practice. I have to thank my teammates and Coach Herbert for pushing me.
“I feel like I can make a play when we need it. I also come in and do the dirty work.”

The varsity reps have been valuable for Olmstead, who has been in and out of the rotation. Next season, Herbert anticipates the junior to have a bigger role.

“Bennett has a high IQ and sees the floor really well,” Herbert said. “He understands the game. Any time you can have a guy come of the bench and provide solid minutes like that, it’s a bonus.”

The Eagles cruised to a victory as they led 26-9 at the end of the first period and went into halftime up 50-20 behind 19 points from Eli Herbert in the first half. Grain Valley went into the fourth up 67-38 and Andy Herbert emptied the bench and let his reserves get some playing time.

​Grain Valley junior Eli Herbert, left prepares to go up for a shot while William Chrisman junior Henry Dillon closes in on defense. Photo credit: Michael Smith

Grain Valley junior Bennett Olmsted, left, looks for an open teammate, while a pair of William Chrisman defenders look on. Photo credit: Michael Smith​

Grain Valley senior Tucker Hughes unleashes a corner three during a 75-46 rout of William Chrisman Friday on the road. He finished with 13 points, three rebounds and three assists. Photo credit: Michael Smith