STATE SEMIFINALS
Libbey led to semis by Ohio State recruit
Senior-laden Cowboys look forward to playing Graham in D-II matchup.
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Wednesday, March 12, 2008
TOLEDO — Toledo Libbey head boys basketball coach Leroy Bates doesn't know much about Graham.
He only knows what he's read — the Falcons shoot the lights out, play tough defense and are undersized.
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Toledo Libbey guard William Buford (44) averages 23 points and 10.6 rebounds a game. Libbey plays Graham on Thursday in the Division II state semifinals at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus. Toledo Blade photo by Jeremy Wadsworth
Get latest headlines via RSS feedsStill, Bates knows one thing is certain — his Cowboys will have their hands full against Graham in the Division II state semifinals at the Schottenstein Center on Thursday, March 13, at 10:45 a.m.
"(Graham) definitely works well as a team," Bates said.
Libbey (23-2, No. 4 in the state poll) beat Lexington 65-51 in a D-II regional final at Bowling Green State University to advance to the state tournament.
"We're excited," Bates said. "We're looking forward to the challenge."
The Cowboys use an eight-man rotation with seven seniors, including 6-foot-5 senior guard William Buford, who will play at Ohio State.
Buford, the 19th-rated player on the college basketball recruiting site Rivals.com, averages 23 points, 10.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. He's scored 2,009 points in his Cowboys career.
"You get a player like Buford once in a lifetime," Bates said. "He's a great person, not just a great basketball player. He's been a real treat to coach."
Rounding out Libbey's big three is 6-6 senior forward Julius Wells (11.7 points), who signed to play at Marist College, and Brad Sandridge (11.2 points), a 6-3 guard.
Bates, in his 16th season at Libbey, said the Cowboys like to play an uptempo game.
Libbey played a tough schedule the past three years. The Toledo City Athletic League champions lost to Saginaw (Mich.) and Toledo Central Catholic.
Bates was an assistant coach on Toledo Scott's D-I state championship team in 1990. In the Cowboys' last state appearance, they lost to Bedford 67-61 in the 2000 D-I state semifinals.
Bates is hoping his state tournament resume helps his team prepare for a tough game.
"It's something they haven't been prepared for," Bates said. "I have to use my experience to create an atmosphere that will be beneficial."
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0365 or mcooper@coxohio.com.who
