March 17
March 17, 2009
Loyce "Lois" H. Matherne
March 19, 2009
Chris Iles has never been much of a celebrity.
But last Wednesday morning he sure felt like it.
The Nicholls State freshman guard got the chance to return to the high school, Alief Hastings, he helped lead to two 18-5A district championships during his four years as a letter-winner.
The former three time All-District selection led the Colonels off the bus and into the gym he once called home for the team’s walk-through on the eve of their Southland Conference Tournament opener against the Texas State Bobcats.
As he walked off the bus, Iles was greeted by plenty of familiar faces.
In attendance were the freshman’s former coaches, teammates and classmates, who greeted Iles as he walked through the gym – among the two banners he won while playing for the Bears.
The 5-foot, 10-inch Houston native did his best to impress, running the Colonels’ offense while junior Chris Paige and redshirt freshman Josh Johnson wowed the crowd with dunks.
After the Colonels finished, Iles introduced his new teammates to his former ones, and took time to catch up.
Even though the Colonels attracted a small audience, Iles didn’t feel any added pressure.
“This is just a happy homecoming,” he said. “I’m used to playing with and against these guys watching us, so it’s nothing new to me. It’s just a chance for me to come home and see a ton of familiar faces.”
Nicholls State head basketball coach J.P. Piper said he was thrilled for both the chance for Iles to come home, and for the chance to use the facilities.
“What coach (Darrell) Collins did for us is amazing,” he said. “For us to be able to come here and use the school’s facility, we have a great deal of gratitude for that.”
As he boarded the bus, Iles said he was mentally fixed on one goal: winning in the tournament.
“It’s always good to be home, but right now I’m more focused on winning,” he said. “We’ve come together and have really, really bonded. This is definitely something to build on.”
Iles’ impact on the Colonels has been felt already.
Piper noted that Iles’ play has given senior guard Justin Payne rest at critical times in games.
Iles finished the 2009 regular season averaging 3.2 point per game despite averaging only 15 minutes per game.
Piper said Iles is among the caliber player who will lead the Colonels to future success if he can play his game.
“He’s a great kid,” the coach said. “He’s going to be one of those kids who will step in when Justin (Payne) leaves. He’s been big for us off the bench and, if it’s any indication of things to come, I am excited about the possibilities of this team.”
“It’s evident how much he meant to this school when he walked back on campus, he’s just one of those guys,” he added.
Nicholls State freshman Chris Iles is welcomed back by his former high school basketball coach Darrell Charles at Alief Hastings High School in Houston, Texas. The Colonels practiced Wednesday morning at the Bear’s facility in preparation for the opening-round win against the Texas State Bobcats. * Photo by KYLE CARRIER
