Of all the dunkers to have ever taken lift off at the Illinois High School Association state tournament, Lucas Elverd said he did not want to emulate one.
That is because Elverd said he wants to make a name for himself.
The 6-foot-7-inch center will represent his team and the region at this weekend’s slam dunk competition in Peoria. Elverd, who was one of three senior starters that helped the Harrisburg Bulldogs post a 22-9 record this season, said he has practiced every day for one of the weekend’s signature events.
Elverd, who has also solicited advice from friends, teammates and fans, said he might use a prop during the competition.
“Everybody’s telling me to jump over Myers Leonard from Robinson,” Elverd said with a laugh. “But it’s probably not going to happen.”
Harrisburg’s big man was referring to a former foe in the Robinson High School 7-footer who is signed to play with the University of Illinois starting next season.
Elverd is no stranger to dunk contests, having attended last year’s state competition and several other regional events.
Only weeks after a season ended in which Elverd terrorized players driving to the lane, the Bulldog center will take flight with no one to impede his process.
“When coach nominated me to do it, and you get to represent the south, it should be fun,” Elverd said. “I’ll stick to simple stuff, try to get into the next round and see where that takes me.”
Elverd will not make the trek to Peoria alone, as senior teammate Cain Sheldon will take aim at the 3-point shooting contest this weekend.
Sheldon finished his career second on the all-time scoring list in Harrisburg High School history.
