Kyle Klempel, senior, Stanwood basketball
Published 12:01 am Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Basketball can be a thrilling, fast-paced game. But sometimes players must slow down to reach their potential. That’s what point guard Kyle Klempel learned before becoming a starter this season.
“Growing up, I’ve just kind of been a turnover maniac, just going too fast. I learned I need to slow down my brain first before I worry about anything else,” said Klempel.
Now competing with a more controlled approach, Klempel has helped guide a young Stanwood squad to a 4-3 division record.
When he’s not on the court, Klempel works hard to maintain his 4.0 grade-point average, reads Harry Potter books and plays sports-related video games.
Coach’s corner
Klempel won the starting point guard spot in part because of his intelligence. “He’s a pretty good decision-maker. He’s watched enough basketball and he’s played enough basketball,” first-year Stanwood head boys basketball coach Zach Ward said.
A different perspective
After suffering a foot injury Dec. 21 in a game against rival Arlington, Klempel missed two games. He used his the time to analyze his team’s strengths and weaknesses. “I noticed that sometimes we get a little too excited and shoot shots we don’t need to shoot. I’m realizing more and more what good shots are,” he said.
In your face
Two years ago during a team scrimmage the 6-foot-1 Klempel tried to defend former Stanwood star Aaron Boehme, a 6-5 leaper who now plays quarterback at Linfield College. But Boehme soared over Klempel and slammed the ball through the hoop.
It was a humbling moment for Klempel, a sophomore at the time.
“He just came up and dunked on me. I tried to come up and block him and he just threw it down in my face,” said Klempel. “I was just a little guy.”
Fierce foe
Edmonds-Woodway point guard James Conti is one of the most difficult opponents to stop, Klempel said: “He’s strong with the ball. Then if you go off of him a little bit he’s going to knock it down right in your face, and if his team needs a shot he can go (inside) and get it. He’s just a great all-around player.”
Conti scored a team-high 19 points Dec. 4 when E-W beat Stanwood 56-46.
Sub standards
Klempel’s favorite pre-game meal is a Subway Italian B.M.T. sandwich with mayonnaise and Southwest sauce.
Still perfect
“I’m going for valedictorian,” said Klempel, who has compiled a perfect 4.0 grade-point average. Klempel said balancing sports with schoolwork has been challenging but he needs excellent grades to earn scholarships and pay for college. His favorite subject is math.
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
