Shot after Shot Erik Spaven sinks the ball more than most.
Standing six-foot-five he is the tallest on his team and is known for 26-points per game.
But this star player is as modest as he is talented.
“I hope to keep it up, but I don’t try to focus on it too much,” said the 17-year-old.
“In high school basketball anyone averaging 20 points a game is impressive and noteworthy,” said Belmont coach Kevin Brown.
According to sportvictoria.com Spaven is leading in the league with 156 points scored over the season.
“When it comes to points per game he is a leader,” Brown said. “Most people watch him because of his scoring abilities, but what is more impressive is his effort, aggressive attitude and his competitiveness.”
Long limbs and a height advantage make Spaven hard to guard, Brown said. But Spaven is also a true team player.
“The team goes first. He appreciates the team and thanks them after every game, because they get him the ball,” Brown said.
Spaven started playing basketball when he was six years old, learning the Canadian-born game from his father Curt Spaven.
“My dad was my coach all through elementary and middle school. He still helps me,” said Spaven.
Spaven spent the last couple weeks on the sidelines after suffering a concussion during a game on Jan. 18.
“I dove for a ball and hit my head, then a team mate tripped over me and pushed my head down,” explained the star player. “It was totally an accident.”
Despite the injury Spaven is so far ahead he could still have the most baskets in the league when the season ends in February.
All three years at Belmont, Spaven has played on the senior team.
“I am glad my coaches saw potential in me,” he said.
Spaven hopes to play for the Camosun Chargers.
“With basketball all my problems and stress in the world go away and I have fun,” said Spaven.
charla@goldstreamgazette.com
