Schillinger Takes Control West Valley Captain Living Up To Challenge

The time has arrived, David Schillinger realizes, to get serious.

No more mouthing off on the court.

No more slacking off in the classroom.

“This year I’m the captain,” said the West Valley senior. “I have to be a lot more of a leader.”

The Schillinger of old was a leader, of sorts. His team-high 21.3 points per game last year led the Eagles to their fifth consecutive outright or shared Frontier League title.

Yet the 1994-95 Eagles were loaded with talented seniors. Schillinger, then a junior, had to guide the offense without being a prototype take-charge guy.

The current Eagles, also a high-flying bunch with a 5-0 start, are junior-dominant. Schillinger, one of the few seniors, must do more than make baskets.

“It’s a reverse role for him,” said WV coach Joe Feist. “He’s taken up the challenge nicely, working hard and taking the leadership role.”

Schillinger said he enjoys being held to higher standards. He admits that his smart mouth didn’t sit well with referees and opposing fans.

Schillinger has been so talented for so long that he’s an easy target in the rivals’ gym. The Eagles’ frenzied style of play and continued success make them the team to razz from Pullman to Cheney.

“I like it when they start talking trash,” he said. “It makes me work harder. But this year, I’m not going to say anything (back).”

Calmer emotions haven’t meant fewer points. Schillinger has averaged 25 ppg, including a season-high 31 against Lake City of Coeur d’Alene.

College ball is on Schillinger’s mind. Because of that, his approach to his classes and the game have changed.

Schillinger said his grade-point average last quarter hovered around 3.0 and he’s intent on studying for next month’s SATs.

To improve his court presence, Schillinger hit the weights and added 10 pounds to his 5-foot-11 frame.

WV’s juniors showed the same dedication. Schillinger thought the team might drop off this year because of its youthful ways, but last year’s sophomores put in a solid summer of basketball.

“The younger guys are impressing the heck out of me,” said Schillinger, who believes this year’s group may be closer than last year’s.

The Schillingers have commandeered WV’s offense for the better part of a decade. Brothers Jeremy and Andrew, and cousin Joel, preceded David at point guard. Andrew plays for Whitman College in Walla Walla and Joel played for Columbia Basin in Pasco. Another cousin, Matt Johnson, plays for Community Colleges of Spokane.

“Yes, we’ve had a lot of (Schillingers),” Feist said, “and I’ve enjoyed having them. They’re good kids on and off the court.”

“Growing up playing against my brothers was nice because they were so good,” said David, who may be the best player in the bunch.

The next wave of Schillingers is well down the road. David’s niece has yet to turn 2.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: FRONTIER LEAGUE BASKETBALL Information on Frontier League basketball, which begins Jan. 5: Defending league champions: Girls - Cheney. Boys - West Valley. Defending district champs: Girls - Cheney (sixth at state). Boys - Colville (0-2 at state). Returning all-leaguers: Girls - First team: none. Second team: Star Olson, East Valley; Crystal Poskey, Clarkston; Dawn Salfer (injured hip), WV. Boys First team: Rich DeMulling, Cheney; David Schillinger, WV. Second team: Matt Chatigny, Clarkston; Tim Wang, Pullman Change/status quo: Riverside, last year’s Northeast A boys champ and State A girls participant, has joined the Frontier. Yet the addition of a seventh team didn’t mean the addition of a second state berth - until next year. Transfers: Josh Hall, Riverside, from Battle Ground; Austin Gerrells, WV, from Valley Christian; Brad Wilson, EV, from Sioux City, Iowa; James Spotted Horse, EV, from South Dakota; Greg Johnston, Colville, from Kettle Falls. Departures: Senior guard Abdul Odood has been dropped from Cheney’s roster. Predicted finish: Girls - Cheney, EV, WV, Clarkston, Colville, Riverside, Pullman. Boys - WV, Pullman, Cheney, Riverside, Colville, EV, Clarkston.