LINCOLN — Dakota Leming’s job goes something like this:
Pull down a missed shot. Get the ball to a guard as fast as possible, triggering a fast break. Sprint down the court and get in position for a basket.
It sounds exhausting, but Leming has certainly proven up to the task.
With averages of 18 points and six rebounds per game, he leads Lincoln in both categories.
“He brings a lot for us,” Lincoln coach Tim Rich said. “He’s a good all-around player.
“I just feel he’s more confident (this year) and his shot is better. In leadership, he has really taken (the reins).”
A 6-foot-6 senior forward, Leming was a Class 3A All-State selection last season, when the Wolves advanced to the state tournament. He is one of four returning starters from that squad.
The experience of playing in the state tournament, and a desire to get back there this season, have been major motivations for Leming.
“That definitely gave us the drive to work twice as hard to get back there,” Leming says. “I’ve worked harder, (because) I’ve kept in my mind the state tournament.”
During the offseason, Leming focused on his shooting and his ball handling. Both he and his first-year coach say they have seen him take great strides in those categories. (Rich was an assistant last year under former coach Deon Birkes, who now coaches only Lincoln’s girls.)
Leming, 6-foot-6, has teamed up with 6-5 center Zach Summers to give Lincoln an imposing frontcourt. The Wolves (11-8) finished in second place in the 3A-1 West Conference this season, behind only powerhouse West Fork.
“Having myself and Zach together is one of our strongest suits,” Leming said. “Putting us inside is a definite factor, because we can get (the other team) in foul trouble, and that can open our inside-out game for our guards.”
Leming scored 22 points his last time on the court, but the Wolves lost 53-50 to Cedarville in the semifinals of the 3A-1 West District Tournament last week. The Wolves open Class 3A Region 1 Tournament play at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in Charleston against Lamar.
The Wolves defeated the Warriors 45-38 in last year’s region tournament consolation game. Rich said Lincoln was too deliberate in its offense against Cedarville, something it will strive not to repeat against Lamar.
And Leming will be the one that gets that attack going.
“I don’t feel like I pushed the boys (against Cedarville),” Rich said “We really like to get the ball going up and down the court. I slowed them down, and that’s not us; I should have had them pushing more.
“What we do best is getting the ball and then get going.”