6-7 Luster is ‘a totally different player’

HANCEVILLE — They waited patiently outside the locker room, chatting amongst themselves, until they saw him — the 6-foot-7 sophomore.

It all changed quickly after that. The quiet solidifying around the hallway gave way to a rising applause while Khalil Luster strolled towards the door. Two or three, or four or five — certainly more — Red Bay fans shouted congratulations and words of encouragement.

And Luster? Well, he took a few seconds to offer a couple of hugs, waved a little bit and disappeared to join his teammates. Just like that.

Red Bay coach John Torisky said one of Khalil Luster’s best strengths is drawing opponents’ attention away from his teammates.

“He’s usually quiet unless you’re in the locker room,” senior forward Jaxon Vinson said with a grin after Tuesday’s 61-59 win over Tanner in the Class 2A Northwest Regional semifinals. “Then he’ll talk.”

But, the Tigers cautioned, it’s best not to get caught up by the low-key demeanor. Watch how it plays out on the court. That’s when Luster is at his loudest.

Ask Tanner. The Rattlers heard. They witnessed it, too — all of Luster’s 26-point and 17-rebound effort that helped squelch any kind of last-ditch comeback a year after celebrating a buzzerbeating victory against Red Bay.

It was his 15th 20-point game of the season and five off his high of 31. He had eight such games last year.

“I was watching film from when we played Tanner last year and he didn’t even look like Khalil,” coach John Torisky said. “He looked like a totally different kid. So, the first thing is he’s just growing up physically and starting to mature, and his body’s changing. He’s getting stronger and I think being stronger makes him more confident.

“I think where he’s really transformed his game is last year he kind of sat around (on the court) and watched a little bit. This year, he’s really attacking the basketball.”

And yet, it’s more than that.

Luster’s play was strong enough last season to earn him a second-team All-State selection. Upping his game? That was the goal. He spent the offseason refining different parts of his skillset. Shooting was a top priority. Ball handling was another.

It was all an effort to make himself more versatile. It’s now what sets Luster apart from swaths of the Tigers’ competition, Torisky said.

“I’ve just really tried to live by whatever they asked me to do or needed me to do, I’m going to do it,” Luster said.

On Feb. 17, that meant driving the offense in some way shape or form.

Luster was 10-for-16 from the field. He attempted two 3-pointers. He took 11 free throws. He played in the paint and around the perimeter to open scoring chances for his teammates. (It’s hard not to follow the 6-7 guy around.)

Vinson added 17 points, while Bryant Harris chipped in 10.

Rickey Speights Jr. paced Tanner (16-16) with 25.

There were also times Luster took the inbound and acted more like a point guard.

“That’s more of a thing you expect from a 5-10 kid than someone whose 6-7,” Torisky said.

Yes, it is. Then again … “I mean, I’ve gotten used to it,” Vinson said of Luster’s performances. “I don’t think other teams have yet.”

Tanner didn’t. And that’s just the way Red Bay (24-5) wants it. At least, that’s what’s been beneficial for Luster and his teammates.

“I think this year’s been good,” Luster said. “But we’re not ready to celebrate yet. It’s on to the next one.”

Red Bay played Cold Springs (29-4) in the regional final on Monday.