Boys Basketball Notebook: Grace’s Darius Shankle, Canton’s Garrett Walker share weekly honor

Published 1:00 pm Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Grace Community’s Darius Shankle and Canton’s Garrett Walker have been named the Tyler Morning Telegraph Boys Basketball Players of the Week for games played Nov. 11-Nov. 19.

Shankle helped lead the Cougars to a 5-0 record and a championship victory in the New Summerfield Tournament.

Shankle — a 5-10 senior guard — averaged 23.8 points, 4.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game. He shot 64 percent from the field, 73 percent from the free-throw line and 40 percent from 3-point range.

Shankle had 26 points against Buffalo, 29 against Arp, 30 against New Summerfield, 12 against Mount Enterprise in limited time and 22 in the championship game against New Summerfield.

Walker led Canton to a 3-0 record with wins over West Mesquite, Grand Saline and Eustace.

Walker — a junior guard — averaged 24.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 23 minutes per game. He shot 54 percent from the field and 57 percent from 3-point range, going 13 of 23.

Walker had 29 points and four rebounds while shooting 7 of 11 from 3-point range against West Mesquite. Against Grand Saline, Walker had 17 points and eight rebounds. Against Eustace, he had 27 points and five rebounds while making four 3-pointers.

In other outstanding performances in the area last week (based on information provided by coaches):

Brownsboro’s Gekyle Baker had 20 points and 14 rebounds in a 66-43 win over Prairiland and 17 points and nine rebounds in a 51-38 win over White Oak.

Alto senior Jay Benton had 16 points, three 3-pointers and three assists in a win over Broaddus.

Grapeland senior Riley Murchison had 17 points, six rebounds and five assists in a win for the Sandies. Senior Omarian Wiley had 19 points, eight rebounds and two steals.

Laneville’s Deandre Thomas averaged 17.0 points, 8.0 assists and 7.0 steals in two games. Adolfo Martinez averaged 17.0 points and 4.0 steals.

Lindale’s Ryder Johnson averaged 16.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists in three games.

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East Texas teams ranked by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches are Lufkin 10 in 5A; Jacksonville 13 in 4A; Tatum 9, Diboll 10, Crockett 12, Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill 15, Mineola 17 and Central Heights 21 in 3A; LaPoynor 3, Timpson 6, Martin’s Mill 9, Douglass 10, Beckville 14, Frankston 16 and Tenaha 24 in 2A; Martinsville 11, Laneville 19 and Neches 24 in 1A; Bullard Brook Hill 7 in TAPPS 4A; and Longview Christian 3 in TAPPS 2A.