Meet the Parents, USA Today Team

#1 posting 4.26.2006

POINT PARADE
HAWAII
D1
Iwalani Rodrigues, Roosevelt 28 vs McKinley 67-41
Shanadee Canon, Kalaheo 23 vs Farrington 61-55
D2
Chelsey Keola, Iolani 24 vs Lutheran 48-46
Kellee Tom, St. Andrew's 24 vs Word of Life 44-56
Janelle Fetui, Hanalani 22 vvs La Pietra 39-55
Courtney Gaddis, LaPietra 21 vs Hanalani 55-39

MEET THE PARENTS
Yesterday we looked at the different types of recruiters. Today we meet the parents. You may have faced a Robert DeNiro character, but here are some other parental units.

The Halos: They think their kid is holy and can do no wrong. If they do wrong it is someone else's fault (i.e. the coach)

The Pusher: Even thought their kid is NOT on the radar they keep sending emails and other tidbits of information althougth no one requested it.

The Inquisitor: 20 questions are too few for this curious mind.

The Status Symbol: Looking to go DI at any level just to be DI even if their kid is DIII. They have invested big money in all the AAUs, camps and leagues and want to see the payoff. Only NCAA playoff contenders need apply. (as if)

The Suggestor: Has millions of plays and ideas on how to run your program (most feature his daughter).

The invisbles: Not to be seen or heard. Other problems may be prevelant here.

The Driven Mom: Actually, from my experience, these players have fewer problems than if they have the driven dad. A goal oriented, achievement oriented mother has positive rub offs on the daughter, and usually they are better adjusted, and successful. If dad is the driven one...I have seen problems with that.

The Wonders: Supportive, Stays clear of your turf, hunted to extinction.

USA TODAY BASKETBALL TEAM
Today the USA Today named their team. Looking at the breakdown of who and where these kids are:
the smallest is Dymond Simon of Phoenix St. Mary's at 5-4. Only two others out of the 15 players were under 6-0. In the future classes, out of 23, only 5 were under 6-0.
The tallest: Ta'Shia Phillips of Indianapolis Brebeuf Jesuit. She is 6-6.
Biggest Undecided: Amber Harris of Indianapolis North Central at 6-5. She was headed to Purdue, but now is the biggest fish in the meat market without a home.
Geographic breakdown: 3 from NYC area including player of the year Tina Charles; 2 from California; 2 from Indianapolis; 2 from Georgia.
MISTAKE
They also listed the tops in other classes, but they goofed on the height of Tayler Hill from South. She is 5-9, not 5-4. Well she was 5-9 last time I saw her play, I don't think she has lost five inches since then. She is the only player listed on any of the teams from my coverage area---so far (MN, ND, SD, IA, WI, MI, HI)

COACHING NEWS
IA
Clinton has decided that Jason McEwen, a boys assistant at Clinton, will be the next girls coach.
If approved by the school board he will replace Bill Misiewicz. here is the Clinton Herald story http://www.clintonherald.com/sports/local_story_116104211.html
MN
Jeri Dirth, Apple Valley has decided not to return next year. She had a 18-10 record this year. AV lost to Minneapolis South in the Section 6 finals in AAAA 84-72.
White Bear Lake will have a new coach next year
St. Paul Como Park is looking for a new coach
WI
Mike Hintz's contract will not be renewed at Kaukauna. He had a 22-23 record in two years. Here is the Appleton Post Crescent with the details. http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060426/APC02/60426002

SIGNINGS
SD
Jena Kristensen, Plankinton is headed to the College of St. Mary in Omaha. Her sister Angie is the head coach there. Here is the story form the Mitchell Republic via the Duluth News Tribune http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/sports/14426684.htm

SUMMER LEAGUES
There is news of a college league being formed that can include division I players. If you want more information go to http://www.whatshoopin.com/ More information will be available on May 1st.

Next up: Tomorrow afternoon