Piedmont basketball says goodbye to one of its all-time greats
PIEDMONT, Calif. (BVM) 鈥� Luke Harris has made an indelible impact on the Piedmont boys basketball program.
The 6-foot guard led the Highlanders in scoring (18.6) as a junior during the 2019-20 season as Piedmont won its first-ever North Coast Section Division IV title. Harris even kicked it up a notch as a senior during an abbreviated, 16-game schedule where he averaged 23.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
He opened up his senior campaign back in April with 35 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals in a win over Northgate, his first of two 30-point games on the season. Harris regularly lit up opposing defenses, scoring at least 20 points in 13 of the Highlanders鈥� 16 games. Nights such as those are why Harris is one of the most prolific scorers in Piedmont history. In fact, Harris鈥� career total of over 1,200 points makes him the program鈥檚 second-leading scorer.
LEGEND. He鈥檒l finish his career tonight with 60+ wins and over 1,200 points. He鈥檒l become the second leading scorer in Piedmont history. Luke also helped our program win its first NCS Championship last season. got a & a !
— Ben Spencer (@phshoopscoach)
Although Harris will be missed at Piedmont, his playing days are far from over after he committed to Carleton College (Division III) back in October. Fans of the program can also take solace in the fact that the program is in good hands thanks in part to sophomore Jojo Murphy.
The Highlanders鈥� leading scorer this past season, Murphy averaged 25.6 points to go along with 6.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists. He scored at least 30 points in five games as a sophomore, highlighted by a 38-point explosion against San Leandro in May, and gave Piedmont fans a taste of the future in the Highlanders鈥� season finale on June 4.
NOT THE SPLIT 馃ぎ
(via )— Overtime (@overtime)
Murphy notched 19 first half points, shooting a perfect 5-for-5 from 3-point range, and finished with a game-high 27 points. It wasn鈥檛 enough to knock off Bishop O鈥橠owd as the Highlanders fell 76-70 in what was Harris鈥� 鈥� who added 18 points 鈥� final game for Piedmont (11-5).聽聽
As Harris begins his collegiate career at Carleton, Murphy will be tasked with keeping the winning ways at Piedmont alive, but he鈥檒l have some help in the form of another Harris.
Luke鈥檚 younger brother, A.J., is a sophomore on the team who was the Highlanders鈥� third-leading scorer this season at 13.2 points. A.J. played his best basketball late in the season, registering each of his three 20-plus point performances during the final two weeks of the season. The sharpshooter connected on 46% of his 3-point attempts (36-of-78) while also averaging 6.2 rebounds.
With Murphy and A.J. presumably leading the way moving forward, Piedmont might be hoisting another NCS championship trophy soon.
Another incredible year for our program! Very proud of what we accomplished during this roller coaster season. 2 practices in 26 days. 6 games in 6 days. 9 games in 12 days. Battled every night. All heart.
— Ben Spencer (@phshoopscoach)
