Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 9 February 1991 — Page 13

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SPORTS

Golden Knights building a winning tradition

“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail,”

By JIM NELSON Staff Writer The Arlington Kgf) School boys basketball team knows how to make a good first impression, and with the boys state tournament approaching, the Golden Knights hope to leave an impression on the teams that didn’t take them seriously when the season began. Under the direction of head coach Larry Nicks, the Golden Knights arc led by eight seniors on a squad that has already won more games this season than they did over the last two years. If Arlington wins more than ten games this year, which die team should easily do, it will surpass its victory total for die last three seasons. Nicks says one of the reasons for the team's turnaround is their tough schedule. “We (day a tough schedule and I like a tough schedule. Some of the reasons for die tough schedule is because some of the teams are scared to (day us,’’ Nicks said. This is Rides’ first foil season as die varsity head coach, and Ids emphasis on the team concept is evidenced by the recent improved play of Ids squad. After a disappointing loss in the City Tournament to Emmerich Manual High, the Golden Knights have rebounded with wins over North Central and Chatard. Next, they take on the Cathedral Irish, one of die better teams in the area. Led by 6-3seniorCorcy Reeder,

the team’s leading scorer and Ids younger brother, 6-4 junior Carl, the team’s leading rebounder, the Golden Knights arc a group of young men who have a commitment to themselves and their coach. Their team motto is, ‘Tailing to prepare is preparing to fail,” and both the players and the coaching staff agrees everyone on the team has a certain role to fil] and contributes to the team’s success. After talking to team members Corey and Cad Reeder, Robert Lewis and Ricky Pieper it is easy to see why the Knights have shown such an improvement on the court It is because the team has outstanding young men off the court With an emphasis on academics, the players began the year with a goal of maintaining a team grade point average higher than a C+, and so far they have achieved a i grade point average that is higher than the goal they set at the beginning of the year. Coach Nicks says because of the emphasis on the team approach, it is hard to single out individual players, “Everybody on this team has a role to {day," Nicks said, “I have a policy that everybody starts at least one game in the season.” Nicks did comment that Corey Reeder, one of the team’s captains has the potential to become a Division 1 college basketball player. “He could be a Division 1 sleeper,” Nicks said, “Corey is so coachable and he wants to team.”

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As die team’s leading scorer, Corey Reeder says he brings some leadership to the squad, but adds the Golden Knights are definitely not a one or two man show. U I think I bring a certain amount of leadership to the team, but everybody contributes to die team. We’ve beat a lot of good teams people thought we wouldn’tbeat,”

Corey said.

With four players avenging in double figures, Arlington has improved over last year's team thatonlymade 15 three-point shot*. This year the team has made 74 three-point shots and two players. Dean Tate and Corey Reeder, arc shooting near 60 penrert or better on three point attempts. With only three juniors on the I varsity, Carl Reeder, Dean Tate and David Phelps, the Golden Knigfos hope to keq> the momentum they have started this season going into next year. Carl talked about his team’s style of {day and said, "It’s a running game, bin ifs a controlled running game. We can run a half court game and I think we are close to hitting cm all four cylinders." Carl is the team’s second teading scorer, the leading rebounder and leads the team in

blocked shots.

Other team members include senion Dion Gilbert, Anthony Thacker, L.V. Newton, lanes Franklin and Corey Welch. Corny Bnador of Arlington

as the Golden Knights < the Trojans 85-75. The GoMsn Knights ere 7-1 at home and 8-8 overall. (RecorderPhoto by waft Thomas)

Turnovers bring a quiet win against Seattle COMMENTARY

Sports Writer

Though die Indiana Pacers outlasted the Seattle Supersonics last weekend in Market Square Arena and won their fifth game in seven outings, there was no hoopla in the Indiana Pacers locker room after the contest. In fact, the players were downright skeptical about the team’s recent progress. With the emergence of Greg Dreiling, team rebounding has improved and the bench is now making asolid contribution. The players now appear to be in the type of physical condition to execute Pacer Head Coach Bob Hill’s fast-break style offense. Veteran players like Chuck Person and LaSalle Thompson are beginning to provide veteran leadership night-in and night-out However, the team must now concentrate on reestablishing one of the game’s

It-protecting the ball. “We are still playing pretty well; we just need to control the turnovers,” said Schrempf, who despite scoring 29 points and pulling down 13 rebounds, own milted six turnovers in the team’s 106-100 triumph over the Soracs. “We have gotten sloppy over the last couple of games and it has cost us (referring to the team’s disappoiming loss to the Miami Heat the previous night). We have to get back to what was working for us,” added Schrempf. Pacer forward Reggie Milter echoed Schrempfs remarks; “We have been playing well because of a lack of turnovers. We are just going to have to get back to thru,” said Miller, who failed to make this year’s NBA All-Star team that will take its show to Charlotte, N.G this weekend. “Idon’tknow if it’salack of concentration or what. We are definitely going to have to do something about it,” added

, V,: . i, •. v- ■ r-. . ■. j. I'OBOy- ^* The team equaled its season high in turnovers indie Seattle gone with 25. The previous night against die Heat, die Pacers notched 24 miscues resulting in 29 Miami points. The team has been averaging 16.9 turnovers per contest. Michael Williams, who capitalized on an injury to Pacer veteran Vem Fleming to establish himself as the team’s starter, said the combination of a running-style game and the inexperience he has as a starter is one of the reasons for the team’s increased turnovers. “A lot ofthe turnovers are a result of me forcing things and trying to do too much,” said Williams, who has played brilliantly in the last 15 games that he has started, according to Hill. T will have to team more rixmt handling the press and simila situaions. I am more confident now aid as a result, I am taking more chances and making more mistakes,” added Williams.

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High-flying Shawn Kemp has arrived

By JAMES M. KEOUGH JR. Sports Writer The journey from the Indiana All-Star team to die National Basketball Association's Seattle Supersonics has been filled with peaks and valleys for Elkhart native Shawn Kemp, particularly since he edged down the path without the collegiate experience in die interim. Although academic problems during his freshman year at Kentucky and a short enrollment a Trinity Valley Community College (Athens, Texas) prevented him from playing Division I college basketball, it appears dot the high-flying Kemphas arrived. It would also appear that he plans lo soy for awhile. Kemp, the 17th pick overall in the 1989 college draft, was considered a “project” when former Sonic Coach Bemte Bickerstaff and the Seattle front office surprisingiymadehim Seattle's firstround selection. An NBA scout said Kemp’s

1989draft and dot despftt exhibiting an abundance of athletic ability, many

his days a Concord High School in Elkhart, .499 field goal percentage. However, with an bid. improved outside shot, Jones feels Kemp could Well, so much for die critics. pose numerous match-up problems foropposThe 21-year-old Kemp is not only “making ing defenses and blossom into one of the it” in the NBA, but is quickly becoming one of league’s finest post players, the league’s most exciting players. He is In a recent game against the Houston RockSeattk’s second teading scorer with a 15.3 ets, Kemp pulled down a career high — 17 points-per-game average and he averages 8.5 rebounds and 17 points. He added four assists rebounds per game in and three blocked shots. Kemp has ted the team 29 minutes. Kemp also in rebounding 19 times this season and broke a averages 1.67 Mocked team blocked-shots record by totalling 10 in shots per game and has January when meeting with the Los Angeles the reputation for being Lakers. one ofthe league’s most Kemp said despite getting off to a good start tenacious slam dunk- in the NBA, there are still many lessons he has en. to team. How good can “The NBA game is very physical and it is Kemp be? According very.fast paced. I am still learning how to adjust to Seattle Head Coach to different defenrcs and playing against the K.C. Jones, his poten- more physical players,” said 6-foot-U, 230rial is unlimited. pound Kemp, who helped make fonaer Sonic “There is no limit to power forward Xavier McDaniel expendable where Shawn is headed, and influenced Ms trade to the Phoenix Suna. “I ifall the accolades don't am just trying to work hard and team and help get to Mm,” said Jones, the team win games.” “He has given our team hi terms of Ms maturity, Kemp said he is rebounding, shot block- sticking close to Ms vetoes, ing and he’s good on “I am trying ip keep everything fticasrri and the fast break. He’s also a pretty descent pas- not let things go to my bead. I fed that I can ser. I think he’s canting along niedy. 1 am develop more and we can win. 1 won to take pleased with Ms enthusiasm and his hustle. Of- things a step at a time” said Kemp, fenaiveiy. I think he still needs to develop Ms Jones concurred: “Ifis maturity is going to

SPORT OF IT

Hoosier Dome to host NCAA Division I championships For the third straight yea, the Indiana Hoosier Dome will play host to the top coQegiaie indoor track and field meet. The 27th annual National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 men’s and women's track and field championshipB will be held Friday, March 8 and Saturday, Mach 9. Reserved sea season tickets arc on sale now and die NCAA Indoor Oiampioniliips offer the opportunity to aee Olympic prospects fw 1992compete for individual and team championships. Single session ticket sates will begin on Monday, Feb. 11 a the Hoosier Dome ben office and all ticket centers, indetfing Karma Records and L.S. Ayres.

The Original Boat, Sport SI Travel Show returns

scuba and travel exhibits to Tackle Town USA, Harry Renfio's 37th Annual hutianapohs Boat, Sport ATravel Show wiBoflkr

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the draft, he hadn’t played competitively since weapons in Ms offensive attack, Ken^sportsa basketball.”