Slow and steady is Knights' new approach

By SAM TALLARICO Eagle Staff Writer

November 18, 2005 Last Updated: November 18, 2005 02:40 PM High School

The theme for Larry Washington in his first season as the coach of the Summit Academy basketball team could be "What's the rush?"

Washington, who replaces Bill Styche, the only coach the Knights have had in their seven-year existence, will employ a calmer approach to the offense.

"Last year's team, we put up a lot of points," said Washington. "This year's team will be more of a slower offense, a patient, deliberate offense.

"We want to slow the ball down, but we'll be a very quick team. We have a lot of new guys, only one returning player, so it'll be a totally different look," Washington added.

Gone are four of the top 18 scorers in the Butler County area: Anthony Rosser (16.8 points per game), Andre Berry (16.0), Anthony Johnson (15.2) and Dorian Stewart (12.0).

That squad went 6-17 and won just a pair of Section 2-AA games and finished in last place.

The one senior on that team — and the only returner from last year's 6-17 team — is 5-foot-8 point guard Kasil Butler, who had 60 points.

"Kasil's a captain," said Washington. "He understands the system and he'll need to bring that to the other guys.

"We won't make changes. It's still the same philosophy and beliefs at Summit Academy," Washington added.

Joining Butler in the starting five will be 6-3 sophomore forward Orlando Burt, 6-2 junior guard Devin Preston, 6-1 junior guard John Payne and 6-5 senior center William Dow.

"William Dow, our center and another captain, he's going to be the nucleus of the team," said Washington. "If this kid comes through, we'll be a decent team.

"He's a center, but he's pretty crafty with the ball. He's one of these kids who, all his life was a guard — then he hit a growth spurt.

"He's tall, but he has great ball-handling abilities," Washington added.

Lamar Evans, a 5-5 junior guard, will be one of the Knights' key reserves, as will 6-3 junior forward Darnell Godfrey and 5-6 junior guard Alfonso Rodgers.

"As a first-year coach, I want us to be competitive," said Washington. "We want to pressure all the teams. We have some really nice size for a Class AA team."

Washington had spent the past eight years as the coach at The Academy, another part in the school's system. That team played in the Greater Pittsburgh Independent Basketball League.

Washington is a graduate of West Mifflin High School and played at West Liberty (W.Va.) State College in 1987-88 before transferring to Waynesburg (1989-92). He spent two years as an assistant coach at Waynesburg College and two more at Pitt-Johnstown.

The conference should still be a tough one, as the Knights will have their hands full in trying to reach the postseason, something they hasn't done since their first season, back in 1998-99.

"Farrell will be tough to beat and Mohawk is a tough team," Washington added.

SUMMIT ACADEMY2005-06 Boys Basketball ScheduleDec. 3- at Duquesne;

Dec. 5- at Deer Lakes;

Dec. 6- at Serra;

Dec. 9- at Highlands;

Dec. 12- KISKI;

Dec. 16- at Laurel;

Dec. 19- at Clairton;

Dec. 20- SHENANGO;

Dec. 30- CLAIRTON

Jan. 3- at Mohawk;

Jan. 6- RIVERSIDE;