We're not in the "breaking news" business here at HSSTM, which isn't really news to most of you. We're a monthly publication...with very few chances to "break news" other than this Web site. As you can tell it's not our focus, as I only had the opportunity to write one blog last week with our writing and content deadlines for the Feb. issue.
That being said, I was haging out before the Marion County championship game on Saturday night down at Southport and had an interesting conversation.
Watching Warren Central warm up before the game, I spotted Walter Offutt doing his best player-coach impersonation out on the court and got his attention. He came over.
"What's up Dave?" he said, shaking hands. Last time we talked was before the season at the photo shoot for our November cover.
"Nothin' much. How've you been? How's the knee?" I asked.
"It's good...it's real good," Offutt quickly responds. "Had my surgery; I'm comin' back."
So there you have it, Offutt says he's coming back. For the second time, actually. His original "comeback" was the season-opener, before another heartbreaking knee injury.
"I'll be back for sectionals," he continues. "Doctor says three months, and it's already been a month. I'm comin' back."
That's a basketball player talking right there, plain and simple. The kid wants to get back on the court. Desperately. You can hear it in his voice.
I'm not going to sit here and say whether or not he'll actually see the floor again this season, but who am I to say he won't? I just hope, no matter what happens, that the decision is a sound one and that he keeps his future in mind.
But with how well Warren has been playing in his absence, despite the 56-53 loss to Lawrence North for the County title, it's hard to blame Offutt for wanting to come back. That team with him on the floor, even if he's not quite as explosive, will be an even more formidable opponent come tournament time. Even if he's more of a decoy and spot-up shooter, any defense will have to account for him. That's a plus for the Warriors.
"I might not have that first step," Offutt tells me, "but I could still shoot, pass, set screens - all the little stuff. That'll help."
It's admirable, to say the least. Knowing him fairly well, I know he's working his tail off and I certainly wouldn't put the possibility out of reach.
News and Notes
- In that county game, Lawrence North got a big performance from guard Kyree Jones and some key put-backs by big man Stephan Van Treese to pull out the win. Jones scored a team-high 20 points, including a lethal jump shot in the final mintues. Another Jones, Warren's Josh Jones, was dueling all night and dropped in 22 points for the Warriors, who visit Southport tomorrow night. No. 4 LN will make a short trip to No. 12 North Central on Friday for yet another showdown.
- On the south side, Center Grove earned its third straight Johnson County championship with a 50-33 victory over Whiteland. Guard Corey Gray scored a game-high 21 points, including three 3-pointers on the night. The Trojans are now 8-3 and host Ben Davis this weekend.
- I would be doing a disservice if I didn't mention the Carmel boys hoops team, who notched a very impressive win over Cathedral last Thursday in a matchup of undefeateds, 75-60. The Greyhounds, the new No. 2 in this week's all-class Coaches' Poll (posted on our home page), followed that up with a 79-70 win over a Kokomo team that had been playing pretty well. The foursome of point guard Daniel Moore, Jordan Brewer, Charlie Hansen and Stuart Douglass have proven to be a lot to handle recently. The 'Hounds will host Pike on Wednesday night.
Posted by: Trudy on Monday, January 14, 2008
What a great conversation you had with Walter. He's a fine athlete and even if he doesn't come back, he'll do great at OSU.
Posted by: Wesley P. on Monday, January 14, 2008
Who makes these schedules? Seriously, what a grueling trip it's been the past few weeks for Warren, LN and North Central. They just keep play each other and finding out more and more about each other. How huge is that sectional going to be? Who will survive? And does Warren Central have an even better chance with Offutt coming back for the tournament?
Posted by: Harold on Monday, January 14, 2008
Still think that, in my opinion, Cathedral, Warren and LN are all better teams than Carmel, but the Greyhounds have gotten better as their football stars have adjusted. But don't sleep on Center Grove in the MIC either, as evidenced by Corey Gray's shooting prowess. I've seen him tickle the twine, and he's tough.
Posted by: Jamey on Monday, January 14, 2008
when i first read about offutt in your November basketball preview, i was impressed. now, i'm even more so. here's a kid who's got a college basketball scholarship waiting for him, and he's had these injuries, but he's still trying to make his team better.