DUVALL—The early challenge for Cedarcrest boys basketball

coach Ray LaBate will be to find a way to get a full game from his

all-league performer, 6-4 senior Michael Smith.

Smith contributed two full halves of basketball during the Red

Wolves’ first two non-league games. The result was two losses in the

games, played last week.

Smith scored 16 of his game high 20 points in the first half on

Saturday night when Cedarcrest dropped its home opener to Cleveland,

86-49. Daunte Williams led the visitors with 20 points of his own, including 13

in the decisive second half.

Matt McLallin scored nine points and Ryan Dunn added eight as

the Wolves dropped their second game in four nights. LaBate praised the

6-3 Dunn for defending much taller centers in the low post.

“We played two good quarters against Thomas Jefferson and

three against Cleveland,” said LaBate.

“We need to learn how to keep focus for four full quarters if we hope to

compete against teams that are taller and more athletic than we are.”

Smith drew three offensive fouls in the team’s first game and

was benched until mid-way through the third quarter as Cedarcrest lost

69-41 to Thomas Jefferson in Federal Way last Wednesday.

The Red Wolves apparently had a difficult time with LaBate’s new

motion offense and turned the ball over numerous times on errant

passes against Jefferson. Smith finished the contest with 13 points despite

only playing half the minutes.

The first-year coach hopes Smith will use his quickness and

leaping ability to inspire his teammates at the defensive end of the court

also. Smith’s knees have still not recovered from a grueling football season.

The senior is hoping the team’s two-week layoff during the holidays will

provide time for his body to fully recover.

After another preseason game against Renton on

Wednesday, Cedarcrest will open KingCo 3A action Friday night on the road

in Bellevue against the Interlake Saints.

“We’ve got a ways to go until this team learns the offense and can

see all the options available,” said LaBate. “We also need all five players to

crash the boards for rebounds on every play. We can’t allow our opponents to

get three and four shots every time down the court.”

LaBate’s immediate concern is providing his team enough

practice time to learn his new offense. Monday’s practice was cut short

because of a girls’ home basketball game, and Tuesday the hoopsters

will make room in the gym for the school’s wrestling team.

“We need more facilities,” said LaBate. “That’s no secret. We’ll

just have to do the best we can until there is funding available for another gym.”