In an ideal situation, an athlete will never get hurt and will always be able to compete at optimal health. However, the reality is that injuries and playing at less than 100 percent are commonplace. Kevin Stafford of the Las Lomas Knights is a prime example of one who has performed at a high level despite injuries.
As junior last year, Stafford was limited in his game time. In the second game of the season, his hand collided with an opponent's knee and broke it. He had surgery and missed most of the season. Despite not being able to contribute in games, Stafford went to practice every day working on his left hand and staying in shape. He also helped his team with coaching tips from the sideline.
Las Lomas Coach Jeff Loving says, "Although, Kevin is not the most physically imposing kid, he is one of the toughest kids I have coached. He will play sick or hurt - impossible to keep him down. If ever one of his teammates was in trouble he'd be the first guy there for him to help him out!"
At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, Stafford can run 4.80 seconds in the 40-yard dash, can bench press 175 pounds, squat 185 pounds, and has a 25 inch vertical. He has been playing basketball for over ten years and is in his year as a varsity starter. Stafford models his game after Santa Clara star Steve Nash because of the way that he distributes and creates shots for himself and others out of the pick and roll and on the fast break.
Stafford considers himself to be a finesse player as he uses his shot as a threat to always keep the defender off balanced. Stafford's best move is his step-back jumper as it is hard for the defender to guard and close the distance. During the offseason, Stafford was part of his Lakeshow club team where he worked intensely on his ability to attack the rim.
Coach Loving says, "Kevin is super intelligent, knows the game very well, can play any position, and is like another coach on the floor. He is fiery, competitive, cares only about winning and making sure we are doing what we are supposed to, to win the game."
Biola, Chico State (Gus Argenal), Columbia (Kyle Smith), Denver, Lewis and Clark (Foreman), Northwest Nazarene, and Westmont College (Rob Goodrow) have been in contact with Stafford. Stafford has not decided on which college but made the following comments on Chico State and Westmont. Chico state has a great college town and is familiar with the guys who are playing in the program. He likes Westmont's style of offense and is in a great location in Santa Barbara. Stafford has a 3.39 GPA with an 1810 SAT score as his best subject is Math and he would like to major in Business.
Coach Loving says, "He is very laid back, respectful, good personality, and the kind of kid you look forward to seeing every day. He is such a hard worker and has improved so much each year. He will make someone's team better out there and by the time he is done, he will have had a nice college career."
Stafford is currently averaging 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists for the Knights. The team has won the regular season in the Diablo Foothill League and will look to make a run in the post season. Stafford teams with talented backcourt mate Treaven Duffy in making the Knights a legit playoff contender.
Stafford had a disappointing 12-14 junior year that was cut short due to his injury. As the playoff season begins during his senior year, watch for Stafford to give a gutty performance in Walnut Creek. After the season ends, expect Stafford to take his game to the next level in the fall of 2011.
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