BOYS' BASKETBALL: CLUTCH COMMAND LANCASTER GOES TO WEBB FOR SHOT, LEADERSHIP.Byline: Heather Gripp Staff Writer LANCASTER - Mike Webb Mike Webb may refer to:
On the basketball court, Webb is already in control. Webb's leadership and clutch play in big games leaves opponents wondering how to stop him, and left the Lancaster High boys' basketball team with its second consecutive Golden League title despite losing its entire starting lineup For the line of action figures, see . A starting lineup in sports refers to the set of players actively participating in the event when the game begins. The players in the starting lineup are commonly referred to as starters, whereas the others are substitutes from last season. Webb, a senior guard who is one of only three returning varsity players, is averaging 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists. ``He's definitely the focal point focal point n. See focus. of the team,'' Lancaster coach Jesse Parker said. ``He's an excellent shooter, he rebounds well, he's a very good all-around leader.'' Webb averaged 12 points off the bench last season. He enjoys the responsibility of being a go-to player. ``I live for that kind of pressure,'' Webb said. ``I love it.'' His biggest games have been some of the Eagles' biggest. In the first meeting with preseason favorite Antelope Valley This article is about the Los Angeles County region. For the census-designated place in Wyoming, see Antelope Valley-Crestview, Wyoming. The Antelope Valley , Webb scored 30 points, coming on particularly strong late in the game, to lead Lancaster to the victory. Among his latest heroics he·ro·ic adj. also he·ro·i·cal 1. Of, relating to, or resembling the heroes of literature, legend, or myth. 2. was Tuesday's victory over Highland, which entered the game tied for first place. Webb, who scored a team-high 26 points, sank a 3-pointer from far beyond the arc to start a 4-point play with 2:16 remaining and give Lancaster a lead it would hold en route to a 67-66 win that clinched a share of the league title. Webb also made a 3-pointer at the buzzer last year to defeat Highland. Such clutch play has been valuable to a team facing an abundance of tight games. The Eagles, who begin Southern Section playoffs next week, had three consecutive league games go to overtime, two of which went to double overtime. There were also two more league games decided by one point. Webb said it is no coincidence Coincidence is the noteworthy alignment of two or more events or circumstances without obvious causal connection. The word is derived from the Latin co- ("in", "with", "together") and incidere ("to fall on"). that is when he shines. ``Whenever someone hears about Lancaster, it's like, `Lancaster, who?' '' he said. ``During those big games, I want to do my best to show people what Lancaster can do. Plus, I just want the team to believe. ``I always thought we had a chance no matter what anyone said. I like to prove people wrong.'' He knew he was going to have to defy de·fy tr.v. de·fied, de·fy·ing, de·fies 1. a. To oppose or resist with boldness and assurance: defied the blockade by sailing straight through it. b. another common belief if the Eagles were going to succeed this season. Throughout his career, Webb had been known as a quiet player who could lead by example but wasn't very vocal. With a new coach and so many new players this season, Webb realized it was important for someone to take charge. He remembered that leadership was one of the qualities he admired ad·mire v. ad·mired, ad·mir·ing, ad·mires v.tr. 1. To regard with pleasure, wonder, and approval. 2. To have a high opinion of; esteem or respect. 3. most about his favorite player, Michael Jordan This article is about the former basketball player. For other uses, see Michael Jordan (disambiguation). Michael Jeffrey Jordan (born February 17 1963) is a retired American professional basketball player. , and decided he could do the same. ``I always started out by trying to fit in,'' said the 17-year-old, who got his start as a toddler playing in the backyard with a basketball-loving family. ``As I got older, I felt the team was kind of quiet and there's been a lack of leadership. I felt I needed to be more of a leader instead of just fit in. ... ``It was really hard at first, because I had to get a feel for how they played and what they liked. I was hesitant hes·i·tant adj. Inclined or tending to hesitate. hes  i·tant·ly adv. at first telling them
what to do because I didn't know what they'd think or how
they'd take it. I know they respect me now, I'm more
comfortable being a leader.''
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