By Kameron Evans<\/p>\n
Although the men\u2019s basketball team (10 – 5) has had an up and down season, one player in particular has been an unanswered problem for most competing teams.<\/p>\n
Lavar Rich is a senior fromNorthumberland,Va. Before the 2010 basketball season began, Rich was injured, restricting him from playing the first half of the season.<\/p>\n
When he returned, he was thrown into a new system in the middle of the season with a team he never played with.\u00a0 It was not until this year that Rich became a true force on the court.<\/p>\n
Rich is the second leading scorer of the team with 13.5 points per game.<\/p>\n
He scores many of his points in the paint.\u00a0 Despite being 6\u20194\u201d, facing opponents as tall as 6\u20198\u201d, Rich averages about five rebounds per game and scores with ease using his strength.<\/p>\n
Rich\u2019s most notable performance so far was on Jan. 16 against Delaware Valley.\u00a0 He scored 28 points leading all scores to a Hood victory.<\/p>\n
Rich describes Coach Dickman\u2019s offensive philosophy as an \u201cinside out, instead of outside in.\u00a0 He\u2019d rather the big man to touch [the ball] then give it out.\u201d<\/p>\n
This gives him the opportunity to score. His success on the court has also been contributed to his fellow teammates.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe bench has played a tremendous role in keeping us in the game because a lot of us come in with an attitude,\u201d said Rich.\u00a0 \u201cThe bench keeps us in spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rich\u2019s favorite part of the new gym is the growing student section.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe new student section here in the gym has been a tremendous help to our team,\u201d he said. \u201cTo have somebody sit here and cheer for you makes you feel right at home.\u201d<\/p>\n
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