WLS sharpshooter learning to play inside for Tigers

Hormann’s offseaon growth gives OHC team post player it needed.

West Liberty-Salem's Landon Hormann collides with Southeastern's Lucas Pavlatos during a game last season. Hormann is averaging 15.4 points per game this season. Staff photo by Bill Lackey

Bill Lackey West Liberty-Salem's Landon Hormann collides with Southeastern's Lucas Pavlatos during a game last season. Hormann is averaging 15.4 points per game this season. Staff photo by Bill Lackey

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By Michael Cooper, Staff Writer 10:36 PM Thursday, December 22, 2011

WEST LIBERTY — Landon Hormann’s near-perfect shooting night was marred by two errant 3-pointers.

The Tigers 6-foot-4 junior swingman went 11-for-13 from the field in a 50-23 victory over Cedarville on Tuesday, nailing every 2-point shot he attempted.

He scored 24 points as the Tigers won their first game of the season, scoring off the dribble and in the post against the Indians.

“It felt like I was getting a lot of easy shots,” Hormann said. “I feel confident making those shots close to the basket.”

And he’d still take the 3-pointers.

“I know I can make those,” Hormann said.

Hormann is averaging 15.4 points and 7.0 rebounds for the Tigers (1-4, 1-3 Ohio Heritage Conference). He’s shooting 59.5 percent from the field (28-for-47).

“He’s been the most consistent guy we’ve had,” said Tigers coach Aaron Hollar.

West Liberty-Salem is off to an uncharacteristically slow start. They began the season 0-4, including a double-overtime loss to Mechanicsburg.

“It kind of caught us all off-guard,” Hollar said. “I think we’re all learning a good lesson from this as far as taking some things for granted. We don’t feel like we blew any of the games we’ve had, but we missed a couple of opportunities to win some of those. We’ll feel good about every win from here on out.”

As a freshman, Hormann said he probably took more 3-pointers than anything else.

He was strictly a perimeter player last year, but he grew during the offseason.

The Tigers were also in need of big men.

“The taller he gets, the more we ask of him inside,” Hollar said.

Hormann, a defensive lineman on the football team who had 13 sacks last fall, said football workouts have helped increase his abilities in the paint.

“I’m a lot stronger with the ball and more patient underneath,” Hormann said.

Hollar said the Tigers need to be more consistent on defense, and be more efficient on the offensive end to keep improving.

“We’re trying to be a little more disciplined and fundamental both offensively and defensively,” Hollar said.

Hollar said Hormann will keep getting better as he becomes more comfortable with his new role.

At the same time, Hormann hopes to become a threat all over the court, something Hollar has given him the freedom to do — even if it ruins his perfect shooting nights.

“It’s a good threat when you can go inside and outside,” Hormann said.

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