Beyond Gaither, Russell shines

The high school cage star whose future is glowing bright is having an impact at Western Carolina.

By ROD GIPSON
Published January 21, 2005

CARROLLWOOD - Antonio Russell never had any trouble standing out in Gaither High School's basketball lineup.

Russell has now taken that talent to the next level. A two-time MVP for the Gaither Cowboys, an all-county and all-state performer and an AAU state champion as a prep, Russell has used that experience to become a first-year performer as a freshman at Western Carolina University.

The transition has gone smoothly for Russell.

In 17 games this season, including 10 starts for the true freshman, Russell has averaged seven points and three rebounds per game.

Russell, 6 feet tall and 170 pounds, had a high point earlier this season when he scored a season-best 16 points in a 65-60 loss to the Citadel. Russell led the Catamounts in scoring during that game and added five rebounds in his 30 minutes of game time.

Western Carolina is 5-12 this year and is mired in a six-game losing streak. But Russell is providing some hope for the future.

"I am very excited about Antonio," WCU head coach Steve Shurina said. "He's quick, he's athletic and he can score. More than that, he competes and defends on every possession."

Former Leto High School lineman Gilbert Perez recently completed a solid football season at the Air Force Academy. Perez, a 6-foot-3, 275-pound sophomore nose guard, appeared in 11 games for the Falcons. He registered 39 tackles, recovered a fumble, had four tackles for losses and recorded one sack. He is expected to compete for a starting position next season.

Alexis Gonzalez opened the indoor track season as the Citadel's best, albeit lone, pole vaulter. A Gaither High graduate, Gonzalez set the Citadel Bulldogs' women's team record with a vault of 9 feet, 61/2 inches last season as a freshman. She also will compete with the relay and sprint teams this season.