Big year for Australian point guard

Australian point guard Luke Riches is having a monster year for Grace Christian School in Sanford, N.C. And a nearby high-major school is taking a good look at the senior playmaker.

"Coach Harris from NC State watched him recently and really liked what he saw," said Grace Christian assistant coach Chris Pratt. "They invited him to the UNC-Wilmington game, and we had a great time sitting behind the bench. Coach Lowe is excited about watching him play. From what we hear, if things go as planed and Coach Lowe likes what he sees, then they'll talk to us about offering a scholarship."

Averaging 31 points, seven rebounds, five assists, four steals and one block, the 6-foot, 170-pound Riches went home to Australia, missing the travel circuit here in the States. With his recruitment flying under the radar, Riches is also hearing from Campbell, UNC-Charlotte, Appalachian State and Western Carolina.

Capable of scoring off the dribble, Riches court vision is also one of his better attributes.

"Luke can score in a variety of ways, but he is best off the dribble," said Pratt. "We haven't played against anyone who can guard him. He is very creative with the ball and finds ways to score around the basket and draw fouls.

"He also can really pass it. Coaches are very impressed with his court vision."

Riches biggest night of the year was a 45 point outburst against Mt. Zion (Durham, N.C.)