Leading The Way Having Alice Stearns In The Lineup Can Only Help Nc’s Chances

North Central’s quest to get girls basketball on a par with the rest of the Greater Spokane League is a work in progress.

Having Alice Stearns in the lineup is a good place to start.

“No question,” said second-year coach John Reid. “When she was a freshman we saw she had the gifts, desire and personality to build a program around.”

Four sophomores join her in the starting lineup, making the junior post player and two-year starter the team veteran and acknowledged leader.

She’s currently fifth in GSL scoring, one of seven GSL players averaging more than 10 points per game in league.

Her 12.4 points average is double what she scored last year. Included were games of 17 and 18 against league co-leaders Mead and Central Valley, and a career high 22 against playoff challenger Lewis and Clark.

Those figures have dropped of late, for good reason.

“I was open a lot more earlier in the year,” said Stearns, who admitted being more nervous for an interview than in playing the game. “Lately I’ve been doubled teamed.”

That’s high praise indeed, knowing that opponents respect a player on a team that - until its Jan. 3 victory over Mt. Spokane - had not won a league victory in 62 tries dating back to 1994.

It’s also an indication that the program is starting to make strides.

“Coach told us all the hard work was going to add up for us,” said Stearns. “We know we can be competitive down the road.”

Stearns, who stands 5-foot-10 and is a three-sport NC athlete, has played basketball since fourth grade.

“My two older brothers pushed me because of my height,” she said. “They thought I could do it.”

Reid had heard about Stearns’ ability from coaches at Glover Junior High. He was excited to have her in his volleyball and basketball programs.

“I knew then we had a gem,” he said.

She started on varsity for the Indians last year. In the fall she was an honorable mention all-GSL volleyball player. She’ll also play softball in the spring.

“Alice isn’t a gifted athlete, she’s more of worker,” he said. “Her leadership comes from an undying work ethic. We’re fortunate to have her.”

A year ago in Stearns’ varsity debut, Reid said it was a matter of her gaining confidence before she became comfortable on the floor.

This year she has been asked to play more of a dominant role, which has meant attracting more defensive attention.

“We recognized that was going to happen,” said Reid. “In essence we are asking others to develop an outside game. No one has walked in who’s a natural shooter.”

Like Stearns, those outside players are young. Two seniors see action among the 12 players who regularly play for the Indians. Seven of those are sophomores.

It will take time, Reid admits, for NC to achieve the success he was accustomed to when coaching in California.

“We’ve got to keep reminding ourselves of where we were and where we’re going,” he said. “We’ve made huge jumps.”

Having Stearns to lead the way has made the job easier.

, DataTimes