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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Inside presence

Jerry Hitchcock Correspondent

John Hutchins moves well for a big guy, and not just on the court or gridiron. Hutchins has moved from school to school during his junior high and high school years. Now a senior, Hutchins has found a place to shine at Post Falls Christian Academy on the football and basketball teams.

As a tight end and defensive end, Hutchins provided another able body to the football program this fall.

“His height really helped us out on offense,” says Kevin Rouse, PFCA football head coach. “(With Hutchins) as a tight end, I could have our quarterback just throw it up in his direction, and I knew he’d go get it.” With his maiden football season behind him, Hutchins is now the starting center for a team that went to the state 1A basketball tournament last season under head coach Tim Mitchell.

“John does all the things we need him to do,” says Mitchell. “He gives us that inside presence we have needed for a while. He will vastly help us in rebounding and is intimidating protecting the middle on defense. The shot-blocking capability he brings changes opponents’ game plans. You can see opposing players who drive inside re-evaluate when they get to him.”

Hutchins’ skills inside provides a balance to the Eagles’ outside shooting attack.

“We are beginning to give him more opportunities to score,” says Mitchell. “He has acquired some good moves inside. I see him averaging 15 to 17 points a game with over 10 rebounds.”

The son of Wally Hutchins of Coeur d’Alene, Hutchins plans on going to college and earning an engineering degree.

Those who know him mention his respectful, studious and focused personality. For a guy who embodies the “actions-speak-louder-than-words” philosophy, Hutchins is able to express himself astutely when needed. He’s not tying himself down to any one college or university for next year, but he’d like to parlay his basketball skills into a college scholarship.

“I have scouts from some schools looking at a few of (my athletes),” said Mitchell.