Baseball lights Evan Churlin’s inner fire, but the talented long-range shooter also enjoys the fast-paced nature of basketball. “Everything’s just going so quick,” said Churlin, a 6-foot-2 shooting guard who averaged 13.0 points per game and drained 43 3-point baskets during the 2004-05 season.
Michael V. Martina / The Herald
Coach’s corner: When it comes to taking direction and applying lessons on the court, Churlin is like a sponge. “He soaks everything in (and) he sets a good example for the kids,” Monroe boys basketball coach Brett Wille said. “He just plays really hard and he’s a very coachable kid.” Wille said Churlin is quiet, confident and humble – in other words, a true team player. “If winning a game meant he didn’t have to shoot at all,” Wille said, “he’d do it.”
In the zone: Churlin has had a knack for outside shooting since the fifth grade. When the Bearcats guard heats up – like he did when he tallied 26 points Dec. 6 in a victory over Stanwood – look out. “Everything just felt perfect,” Churlin said of the Stanwood game. “It felt like I couldn’t miss.”
Diamond dandy: Baseball is Churlin’s favorite sport. He plays shortstop for the Bearcats in the spring and hopes to find an opportunity to compete in college.
Sports idol: Derek Jeter, shortstop for the New York Yankees. Churlin admires Jeter’s “leadership and ability to come in and do what’s necessary to lead his team to World Series after World Series.”
Read to succeed: Along with many of his basketball teammates, Churlin frequently reads stories to students at Chain Lake Elementary School in Monroe. “It feels good to help kids out,” Churlin said. “We become friends with them and boost their confidence.”
Down to business: Churlin is a member of the Monroe High chapter of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA). The club teaches students about marketing, management and entrepreneurship. Churlin has learned how to spice up his resume and how to ace a job interview, among other real-world skills.
If I had a million dollars: “I’d help my family out with a new house and save money for college.”
Favorite TV show and host? ESPN’s “SportsCenter” with Stuart Scott.
Worst TV show? ABC’s “Desperate Housewives.”
Favorite movies: “Dumb and Dumber” starring Jim Carey and Jeff Daniels (1994); “Anchor Man” with Will Ferrell (2004); and “Tommy Boy” featuring Chris Farley and David Spade (1995).
Favorite fast food: Taco Bell’s half-pound beef combo, surely a staple on every basketball coach’s recommended diet.
Favorite home-cooked meal: Mom’s chicken fettuccine.
Words to live by: “Always play hard, because you never know who is watching.”
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