Eastview forward Henry Shannon III has been flying “under the radar,” but chances are he won’t be for long.
Shannon has been a leader for unbeaten Eastview, ranked No. 5 in Class 4A by Minnesota Basketball News, throughout the season. He averages a team-high 17.1 points per game and has been a force defensively at the rim.
After back-to-back 27-point performances in wins against Prior Lake and Farmington last week, Shannon once again demonstrated his ability on the court Tuesday, scoring 15 points, grabbing five rebounds and making key blocks at the net in the Lightning’s 60-51 home victory over previously undefeated No. 4-4A Shakopee.
Eastview’s Zach Spann tallied a game-high 17 points, while teammate Shannon Scales added 15 points.
It hasn’t been an easy path for Shannon. Last season, he was dealing with a high ankle sprain and wasn’t able to fully recover and get back to full time play. This past summer, he dealt with a family tragedy, keeping his mind away from basketball and off an AAU roster.
“He’s been kind of under the radar a little bit,” said Eastview coach Paul Goetz.
Eastview toppled Shakopee 60-51 at Eastview High School on Tuesday night in a clash between South Suburban Conference rivals.
Eastview, ranked No. 5 in Class 4A by Minnesota Basketball News, got off to a hot start behind Henry Shannon III and Kenji Scales, as the two went into the halftime break with nine points apiece.
The Lightning had a 32-26 lead at the half. The lead increased to 11 points early in the second half, as No. 4-4A Shakopee didn’t score for almost the first six minutes of the latter half. But Shakopee didn’t give up without a fight. With Quinten Snell and Mick Wherley leading the way, the Sabers (9-1) roared back, cutting the lead to six points with less than three minutes remaining in the second half.
Eastview, however, held on as Shannon came up with clutch rebounds to close the game late. Zach Spann led the Lightning (10-0) with 17 points, while Shannon and Scales each contributed 15 points in the victory.
Snell had a team-high 13 points for the Sabers. Wherley chipped in 10 points.