Senior guard Kashmir Ivy finds his view at the start of Larkin games differs greatly from what he initially expected.
Ivy is quick to point out the view at the end of games is when it counts most.
Royals coach Deryn Carter made a potentially risky lineup switch after the Proviso West Christmas Tournament and started bringing Ivy off the bench.
It worked in several ways as Larkin (12-4, 3-4) looks to continue a strong run toward postseason with Friday’s attempt to deal Geneva (22-0, 7-0) its first Upstate Eight River defeat.
“I think it’s helped my game in some ways,” Ivy said. “When you’re starting and the game progresses on, you might get a little tired.”
Ivy called energy, effort and enthusiasm foundations for Larkin’s success. When he’s the sixth man, the energy is there in ways beyond staying fresher.
The 5-foot-9 Ivy provides an instant spark when he enters the game after a few minutes. He’s looking to take advantage of panting, weary opponents.
“When you come off the bench and they’ve still got their starters in and they’re tired and you’re full of energy, it helps a lot,” Ivy said. “It helps to make (opponents) work even harder than they have to. And if they don’t that’s a point for Larkin.”
Ivy also finds watching the start of the game adds to his strategic understanding of what’s occurring.
“When you’re on the bench, you see what the starting five is doing well to make the offense work and the defense work,” he said.
Ivy has averaged 15.7 points since the switch, including season-best efforts of 26 points against Belvidere and 24 against Elgin. Before the move, he averaged 13.1.
Not starting is a role seniors can find difficult to accept. Carter made a similar move with marginal success last season when he moved senior AJ Hunter into the role.
“It’s not going to be about myself,” Ivy said. “It’s about helping the team out. If the team needs me to come off the bench and make plays, I’m more than happy to do it because I know it’s going to help the team grow.”
Still, it’s anything but a simple switch considering the inexperience remaining on the floor for the opening tip.
Carter described the experience situation best with his comment about next month’s senior night.
“It’s going to be a very brief pregame ceremony,” he said.
Sophomore Pierre Black and juniors Jalen Shaw, Anthony Lynch, Kindrel Morris and Isaiah Talley start for Larkin, which doesn’t have a senior contributor besides Ivy.
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“Definitely it’s not always a popular move, especially if it doesn’t work out,” Carter said. “But it made us better for a lot of reasons and he’s still getting his minutes.
“Kashmir is versatile. He’s a good scorer, he’s also a great rebounder for his size, and one of our best defenders. We also find it helps with matchups.”
How much it helps matching up Friday at unbeaten Geneva remains to be seen. Larkin has won four of its last five overall, but has lost three straight close games to Geneva.
“Their length is always a problem, and they run a disciplined offense and do it to perfection,” Carter said.
Geneva beat Larkin 59-56 on Dec. 9 at Larkin, one of eight games for the Royals decided by three points or less or in overtime. The Royals are 3-5 in those games.
Larkin’s last loss to the Vikings was well before Ivy became the regular sixth man.
“We’ve grown since last time we played,” Carter said. “So it’s going to be interesting.”
Twitter @genechamberlai2