Scott Hoover Lake City Year: Senior Sport: Basketball Position: Forward

Through the first 12 games of the season, Scott Hoover had yet to play to his or his coach’s expectations.

Not that Hoover had played horribly. But a hot finish last season showed Lake City coach Jim Winger that Hoover had only begun to tap his potential.

In fact, Hoover was the most improved player in the second half of the season, and Inland Empire League coaches accorded Hoover that honor when they handed out all-league awards.

His potential emerged at an opportune time last week. With the Timberwolves’ top scorer, Jon Chatfield, out with an injury, Hoover shined.

He scored a career-high 27 points and hauled down 14 rebounds to lead Lake City past Coeur d’Alene, 67-53, before a packed gym at LC.

Hoover scored from all over the court. If he wasn’t popping in a 3-pointer, the left-hander was driving to the basket and drawing fouls.

During pregame warmups, Hoover knew he was due for a special game. And he earned the respect of Coeur d’Alene coach Larry Bieber.

“I didn’t realize Hoover is as good a ballplayer as he is,” Bieber said. “He dominated that first half (18 points and nine rebounds). We couldn’t stop him. He’s also a very sneaky weakside rebounder. He gets up in a hurry.”

Hoover’s personal goals going into the season were to average 15 to 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. He’s near the mark in rebounds (9.4), but slightly off in scoring (13.8).

“I couldn’t hit a 3 (pointer) for my life at the beginning of the season,” he said. “I expect to play like I did Friday. I just want to keep improving.”

Winger pointed out that, about this time last year, Hoover improved his play markedly.

“Scott hasn’t lived up to expectations offensively, but he’s exceeded expectations in terms of rebounding,” Winger noted. “He’s been near double digits just about every game.”

Winger thinks foul trouble more than anything harnessed Hoover early in the season.

“There were times he didn’t play more than 2-1/2 quarters because of stupid fouls,” Winger said. “I’ve probably been as hard on Scott as any player I’ve had. The people I want to do well - I expect to do well - I’m harder on. Maybe I was too pushy early. But he exploded Friday.”

Hoover understands his relationship with his coach.

“I’m his whipping boy,” Hoover said, smiling, “because he expects a lot from me. But I do, too. Last year I stepped it up in league. (With Chatfield out) I’m definitely going to look to score more, to take more shots.”

And if the results are anything remotely close to what they were last Friday, the expectations of player and coach will be achieved.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo