Brian Sears Valley Christian Year: Senior Sport: Basketball Position: Post

Brian Sears travels more than most Bi-County League basketball players.

Sears’ school days are divided among a skills center on the north side, home, and Valley Christian, a Class B private school.

Sears takes a 2-1/2-hour computer course at the center, home-schools for two classes, then attends weight training at Valley Christian before Panthers basketball practices.

“I’d take a test and kind of freak out on it,” Sears said of the family’s decision to teach him at home.

Sears passes most tests on the court, as he averages 11.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game for the 9-1, eighth-ranked Panthers.

Valley Christian relies on balance, with seniors Sears, Derek Sandin and Michael Spuler, and junior Jeremy Decker returning as starters from a group that missed its first State B Tournament appearance by one free throw at the 1997 district tourney.

Sears has known Sandin and Spuler for most of his life.

Panthers second-year coach Steve Altmeyer said Sears has adjusted his game to the team concept, not believing he must score on every possession.

“I’m trying to help people and motivate them if I can,” Sears said.

Sears, an able artist, plans to attend Spokane Community College in the fall. He works part time for a janitorial service on Saturdays.

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