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Polk Makes Tech State Tourney Contender

This story appeared in the Dec. 10, 1998 TV Times

By DAVID MAULL, TV Times

It would be understandable if Brian Polk felt the weight of the world on his shoulders entering the 1998-99 basketball season.

After leading Sussex Central to the state tournament last season and earning Third Team All-State honors as a sophomore, Polk transferred to rival Sussex Tech High School, located just five miles away. In addition, he was listed as one of the nation's top underclassmen in Street and Smith's preseason rankings.

But if Polk is feeling the weight of those expectations, he isn't letting on.

"I'm not going to say I have a lot of pressure because everybody can play here," Polk said of his new school. "We all work together."

Polk made the switch to Sussex Tech because of the school's educational programs and so far has not regretted that decision.

"Basically, I wanted to learn a nice trade," he said. "I'm doing good. I like it here."

On the basketball court, Polk provides a much-needed boost to a Tech team that must replace four starters who averaged double figures in scoring last season. Among those lost to graduation was Second Team All-Stater Antoine Jones.

"Any time you get a Brain Polk, it's going to help you. We're rebuilding anyway, but he makes it a little easier," said Tech coach Jerry Kobasa, who praised Polk's work ethic and unselfishness. "He's still learning. The nice part is that he wants to learn."

Assisting Polk in keeping the Ravens in the thick of the playoff hunt will be promising junior guard Brandon Palmer. "I feel we'll make the playoffs," Palmer said. "Coach says we probably have the best bench we've ever had. He (Polk) is more experienced that any of the other younger players. Everything is coming together now."

Polk, meanwhile, shot 100 jumpers a day during the offseason and spent hours in the weight room. That work has already started to pay off.

"I can tell the difference," he said. "I feel stronger physically."

That should be a bonus if the Ravens are to contend in the Henlopen North, perhaps the most brutally competitive division in Delaware.

"It is a tough division," Polk said. "We're going to shoot for the top."

Coach: Jerry Kobasa (4th year)

Last Year: 14-10

Key Losses: Antoine Jones, Teron Powell, Jerry Deshields, Arson Gibbs

Key Returnees: C Rondell Wise, sr.; G Tynell Tyngle, so.; G Brandon Palmer, jr.; F Darnell Bryant, sr.; G Mike Dennis, sr.

Newcomers: G-F Brian Polk, jr.; F Lawrence Walston, so.

Outlook: Kobasa must replace four starters who averaged double figures in scoring last season. Helping matters is the addition of Brian Polk, a talented transfer from Sussex Central. "Any time you get a Brian Polk, it's going to help you," Kobasa said. The Ravens are also looking for big things from guard Brandon Palmer. Tech will be quick and have good leaping ability but its young players need time to gel. This is a state tournament-caliber team.