A keen observer of today's game, the coach recalls his winning players with respect and affection.

However, his coach recalls that it was his sophomore year where his potential in the sport really began to surface.

"He would go to the gym and practice by himself, and he'd talk to an imaginary opponent out on the court," the coach recalled.

"John said he'd try it," recalled the coach.

Her attitude was "very serious," the coach recalled over the phone.

The coach recalled a game several years ago when Danny Jackson beat the Pirates, 1-0.

"I was pretty tough on Joe for two or three years," the coach recalled.

"You put a little threat in 'em," the coach recalled.

But no local coach can recall a girl participating in the game at a hit-and-be-hit position.

"When he really wanted to work hard, he was one of the most impressive kids on the basketball court I've ever seen," the coach recalled.