Archbishop Ryan senior guard Zaire Paris, seen playing in a game earlier this season, has waited his turn to lead the Raiders. (Photo: Josh Verlin/CoBL)
By Owen McCue
While Archbishop Ryan junior big man Thomas Sorber put together a highlight-reel worthy 29-point, 17-rebound effort Monday at Cardinal O’Hara, one of his much smaller teammates put on a performance that as uniquely entertaining.
As Sorber tossed down dunk after dunk and hauled in rebound after rebound, the Raiders’ senior point guard Michael ‘Zaire’ Paris darted toward the hoop and dished out dimes for a 14-point, 10-assist performance to complement Sorber and junior guard Darren Williams (15 points), in a 71-54 win over the Lions.
They are the kind of outings the 5-foot-11 guard has waited patiently for in his Ryan career. And they’re starting to pile up during his senior campaign.
“It was tough because I think I should have played (more earlier in my career) but Coach Joe (Zeglinski) believed in me no matter what,” said Paris, who goes by his middle name Zaire. “My dad always told me, ‘Be patient,’ and this is the time. I’m just following my dad. He told me to be patient and good things happen. Now, that’s what’s going on. Good things are happening.”