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Added Depth Has Streaks Thinking Title

Mark Pinson/Highlands Today

Sebring point guard Chris Grubb will look to get out to another hot start this season after working hard on his game over the summer.

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By CHRIS HOFFMAN

Highlands Today

Published: November 21, 2008

SEBRING - Senior KC Jones remembers wasn't selected for the Sebring boys basketball team during his sophomore year, but how he's turned the tables to add a force in the middle for the Streaks.

"I played for the Streaks when I was a freshman and I did pretty well," Jones said. "But when I wasn't picked as a sophomore, I couldn't believe it. That event really gave me something to strive for."

Jones migrated over to weightlifting and spent the past two seasons getting stronger and also improving his skills on the basketball court with a diet of layups, jump shots and free throws.

"I knew I wanted to play basketball again, but I also wanted to make sure I was in the right shape to make a contribution to the team," Jones said. "I squatted to get more height on my jumps and worked hard on the bench so I'd be able to be more physical around the basket."

The hard work paid off for Jones, who was selected to the Streaks varsity squad. Head coach Princeton Harris raved about his senior's work ethic.

"Kids could learn a lot from KC," Harris said. "His attitude is just what any coach dreams of. He's turned a negative into a positive through hard work. Nothing was given to him."

Harris says that Jones will be a welcome addition to his front line rotation.

"KC will be used primarily as a defender and rebounder," Jones said. "His size and strength will give him an added advantage over most of the players in the district."

The district is what Harris and the rest of the Blue Streaks hope to be at the top of when all is said and done this season.

It all begins with the imposing front line of 6-foot-7 center Joe Young and 6-4 forward Jewel Campbell, a combo that gives the Streaks a decided height advantage.

"I think we'll be the tallest team in the district and we're definitely going to exploit that to our advantage," Harris said. "This season we're going to have two sets of twin towers with Joe and Jewel, along with 6-foot-4 Spencer Caton and 6-foot-5 Tom Quigg, which should force teams to shoot perimeter shots."

Young's size and agility made him a surprise in the paint last season, when the junior averaged 11.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game after being promoted from the junior varsity squad midway through the season.

This season, Harris said Young is bigger than he was last season and has a touch around the basket that compliments Campbell's aggressiveness on the boards.

"They're going to be a formidable duo this season if they play smart and continue to improve," Harris said. "I want to see them become gym rats and take their work ethic to a new level."

The juniors, along with several returning players, should help the Streaks replace the 17.4 points per game they lost with the graduation of Highlands Today All-Heartland Player of the Year Sam Robinson.

Taking over at point guard is senior Chris Grubb, who was selected to Team Florida at the USA Junior Nationals in July.

Grubb is excited about this year's squad and can't wait to take the court.

"I actually think we are better than we were last year," said Grubb, who averaged 10.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists last season. "We have more depth than we've had, which means that everybody on the roster can contribute.

"Our offense is clicking really well in practice and it helps when we all know how each other plays and where they like to get the ball on the floor."

Grubb has the confidence of his coach at running the offense, who see's the senior stepping up even more as a leader this season.

"His whole attitude is better this season," Harris said. "I'm not saying that his attitude was bad, but he's more assertive on the court and that shows the kind of leadership I want running the offense.

"Chris' shooting has really improved and he's a guard I can play at three positions to help us depending on matchups."

Harris said that the depth on the team created a wealth of competition that has every player fighting for playing time on a game-by-game basis.

"There are no given lineups this season," Harris said. "I've got five guards that can play three positions and that means that if you ease up then you're position could be given to someone else who gave me one-hundred percent."

Senior JC Howard is a combo guard that can play everywhere from point to small forward depending on the type of lineup that Harris wants to have on the floor, while sophomore Toby Solebello has been impressive in practice with his shot and overall skill set.

"Toby is going to be a player to watch this year," Harris said. "His aggressiveness and his mid-range jumper will really help this team.

"I'm going to use him a lot."

But what will win Harris his first district title since taking over the Streaks in 2004 is a stifling defense that will break opposing offense down and force teams to play the Streaks brand of basketball.

"It's going to be 84-feet of pressure," Harris said. "I like the team we have assembled and now it's time to go play the games and see what happens."

The Streaks opened the season on the road at Dunbar on Thursday, while Sebring's first home game is set for Dec. 5, when they host Palmetto.

Chris Hoffman can be reached at 863-386-5837 or choffman@highlandstoday.com

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