Blayne Harris impacting Jackson both offensively and defensively

Jackson guard Blayne Harris has been a contributor both offensively and defensively for the Indians’ 13-5 start to the season.

In the Indians’ 52-23 win over Notre Dame on Tuesday, Harris ignited for 15 first-half points, with 11 of them coming in the first quarter.

Harris said his ability to get a shot off is important for the Indians if the offense is struggling.

“It’s big,” Harris said. “Especially if we’re in a scoring drought and need someone to score.”

Harris always seems to find success early in games and is able to shoulder a lot of the load offensively.

“It’s my teammates looking for me and finding me open,” Harris said. “I’m just thankful to hit the shots.”

The three-point shooting in Harris’ game is something he says started early in AAU.

“I was the shooter on my AAU team growing up,” Harris said. “I’ve always had that role.”

Not only is Harris’ ability to get a shot off impressive, but the way he moves off the ball to free himself from a defender is reminiscent of Golden State Warriors point guard, Steph Curry.

“I picked that up from (Steph) Curry,” Harris said. “I watch a lot of (highlights) and how he moves and stuff. I just read the defense and try to make the right play every time.”

Indians senior Clayton Ernst said Harris plays with a lot of confidence.

“I feel like he always plays with a chip on his shoulder,” Ernst said. “When he shoots the ball he has a lot of confidence. We always talk about shooting with confidence in the gym and he always does that.”

Jackson coach Kory Thoma emphasized the importance of Harris within the offense after the win over Notre Dame on Tuesday.

“He just takes the load off,” Thoma said. “Blayne’s a great player and he played well on both ends. He’s got the utmost confidence in the world.”

Individually Harris is having success, but the Indians as a team are seeing a lot of success as they currently sit at 13-5.

“We’re just taking it one game at a time,” Harris said. “We just focus on the next opponent and go out there and do the best we can.”

Jackson (13-5) will be back in action at home at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27 when the Indians host Miller Career Academy.