All-around athlete
Growing up a coach’s son is not all its cracked up to be. At the end of the day, you have to be able to play a position in whatever sport you want to become involved in, or else your teammates will resent you for taking up space on the field or court.
Post Falls Christian Academy senior Matt Rouse has done more than contribute in both football and basketball. After finishing up as the team leader in tackles and interceptions on the school’s football team, Rouse is now captain for a basketball team that looks forward to returning to the State 1A basketball tournament again this year.
Rouse’s high school football career came to an end around a month ago. In a season highlighted by a game against Kootenai where he had three interceptions and more than 10 tackles, Rouse led the team in total tackles and interceptions for the season.
“He had 48 tackles this year,” said head football coach and Matt’s father, Kevin Rouse. “He gives everything he has on every play and wound up an all-league pick at the defensive cornerback position.”
Rouse also played linebacker on defense and receiver on offense. With football behind him now, Rouse hopes to take the basketball team back the 1A State Tournament in March.
Rouse is the primary ball handler on the team, and at 6-foot-1, Rouse also has the wingspan to make life difficult for the opposing team. His quickness and long arms force the opponents to protect the ball at all times when he is on defense, as he gracefully blocks shots or steals passes from unfocused rivals.
“I like to watch the point guards in college and the NBA, to see how they play, how they help the team,” Rouse said. “In the past, I usually have had more assists that points, but I’ve proven I can make the shots when I need to.”
Rouse was the starting point guard for last year’s squad, which lost only one home game and ultimately won a game against Rockland at the state tournament before bowing out.
“He is the leader of our team,” said Tim Mitchell, PFCA head basketball coach. “He is an all-around athlete and will play the No. 1 guard position for us again this year.
“He is a vocal leader and playmaker, calls plays for the offense on occasion and sets up our defense. He loves to block shots and has grown some again this past year. He is one of, if not our best, defender, and I can put him up top (on a guard) or down low to defend post players as well.”
Rouse plans to continue his athletic career at some Northwestern college next year.
“I am hoping for an athletic scholarship at a local school,” he said. “I’d like to attend college here (locally), but I can’t say as I have a favorite picked right now. We’ll just have to see what happens.”
“I’ll do whatever I can to make sure Matt gets a chance to play college ball somewhere next year,” said Mitchell. “But for now, I am just very exited for the season that we are facing. With all the new faces and the returning players from last year’s state tournament squad, I don’t see us losing a game at home this year, as we may be more talented and athletic than last year.”
“The key to this season starts with Matt, and I have every confidence he’ll keep us on track.”