Pieces falling together - Jimmie Miles helps out Rich Central

After Jimmie Miles transferred to Rich Central, the Olympians are
primed to make a run to get to the Elite Eight.

By Frank Rusnak
There is an analogy about the team being a puzzle that everyone around Rich Central likes to use, and according to Olympian coach Glen Hefferman, Valparaiso-bound Jimmie Miles is that final piece he's been looking for.

After winning the third place game at the Big Dipper, Miles finished with 21 points and seven assists. Also, in his first game this season on Dec. 20 against Rich East he had a triple-double (14 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds), but it isn't the numbers that amazes Hefferman the most.

"Jimmie is unbelievable," Hefferman said. "What makes him so special is everyone else on the team has a better attitude, because now they are all getting the ball and turnovers are down, too. Just him being out there with such great vision is terrific for us."

"Mike was the best player in the school the last three years. This is his first year being eligible. He can shoot, pass and dribble like he's a point guard and he's 6-6"

Glen Hefferman
Rich Central Coach
--on senior Mike Martin

A transfer from Homewood Christian, Miles was initially ruled ineligible to play this year by the IHSA due to a practice he participated in at his old school. Since appealing, and getting the IHSA to overturn its decision, Miles has been out with a fractured bone in his left hand, but has felt no ill affects.

With the gym packed a little tighter every time Rich Central (9-3) takes the floor and the students buzzing every time Miles touches the ball, fans realize what they have with the 6'3" point guard. And now, so do his teammates.

"There wasn't any leadership before he came," said Brandon Long, a sophomore who played varsity last year. "People are playing harder with him on the court because they have respect for him."

Patrick Ivy, a 6'5" senior, realizes exactly what Miles means to the equation. Ivy also transferred to Rich Central from Homewood Christian this year.

"It is excellent to have him back," Ivy said. "He brings the whole game; the passing, the rebounding, the scoring. He's the complete player.

"It's a lot different because guys know that Jimmie can create something. He is never selfish and he knows how to get people the ball. The game and the atmosphere are a complete change with him back."

Distant, in the shadow of Miles' arrival, is the addition of budding star, 6'6" senior Mike Martin. Martin made his debut for Rich Central the same day Miles did, but his circumstance is different. Martin never played a game of organized ball due to his academics.

"Mike was the best player in the school the last three years," Hefferman said. "This is his first year being eligible. He worked hard in the off season, he got his grades together and now he's eligible. He'll open a lot of eyes. He can shoot, pass and dribble like he's a point guard and he's 6-6."

Before his first game, Martin was known best for his dunk he did after an earlier game this season where he went between his legs, while wearing boots. While Martin has saw limited playing time, Hefferman said it is because he is easing him into the lineup and he is still grasping the team's plays.

With the midway point of the season nearing, it looks as if those pieces to the puzzle are starting to fall together. Just in time.

"I feel we can take on any team," Miles said. "As long as we play as a team, we'll be a hard team to beat. This is my last year, and I want to go Downstate. We are going to take it one step at a time though."