WORTHINGTON -- It has always been a challenge to be a Boever. Worthington High School senior Lucas Boever comes from a long line of exceptional athletes in his family, and naturally Trojans fans expect him to carry on his share of the tradition.
For Lucas, his coming of age occurred quickly in his senior year. In the fall, performing as a wide receiver and a safety for the Trojan football team, he distinguished himself with a breakout season. The two-way starter was a key contributor in the passing game -- able to take any pass and make it a big play -- and he was equally dynamic on the defensive side, where he made 43 tackles and intercepted four passes -- one for a touchdown.
A three-sport standout who also participates in golf and basketball, Boever has made excellent progress in all three sports since stepping onto the varsity scene. Immediately when the current basketball season began, he distinguished himself as a team leader. He doesn’t consider himself a natural shooter, but he can make any shot.
It’s on defense, however, where he shines. Quick and determined, the 6-0 guard is always ready to make a steal. He’s exceptional at anticipating the dribble of an opposing ball-handler, and as quick as you can say “What was that?” he can tip the ball away, circle around the other side and gain control for himself.
Boever smiles easily. He clearly seems to be enjoying himself on the field of play. And, of course, he should. He has positioned himself into a good place on the family sporting tree; he’s cashing in on the advice he’s received from his siblings.
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“I have a lot of older brothers and sisters that were good athletes, and it’s just been a competitive household,” he said recently. “They just kind of push you to be a better athlete.”
It hasn’t been a smooth ride. When he was a sophomore, he broke an ankle during the football season. He has had to work at his sports; he has had to be patient.
The Globe found Lucas Boever recently on the basketball court on a routine afternoon of practice, and we discussed his high school career for an episode of The Drill. You can see the video online at www.dglobe.com . Here is a sample of the interview:
QUESTION: In basketball, you’re unusually gifted defensively, especially in making steals. Is that because of your positioning, your quickness, your ability to anticipate, or all three?
ANSWER: “On the basketball court playing defense, it’s timing. You just gotta see when they’re not ready for it, and then you just quickly jab in there and try and knock the ball out. I try to go around the other side of ‘em to get it. Anticipate it, and kind of jab in real quick.”
QUESTION: From your junior season to your senior season, what part of your basketball game has undergone the most improvement?
ANSWER: “I’ve been kind of working on my shot, ‘cuz my shot’s not the best. But I just try to get the form down and shoot it, and make it as much as I can.”
QUESTION: Tell us the most unusual thing about you that most people don’t know.
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ANSWER: “Something unusual that most people don’t know about me is that I’m the handsomest in the whole entire family of 11.”
