Montgomery County senior Decoreyon Small has a routine when he steps to the free throw line.
“I dribble with my right hand three times. Go to my left hand and dribble two times, then back to my right, one more dribble and I shoot.”
The routine is obviously working because Small is sinking 81 percent of his shots from the line. With a 26.6 scoring average, he is the main reason the Hornets are off to a 12-4 start.
“He's one of the most coachable players I have ever coached,” said Montgomery County coach Frank Miller. “It's a joy to have him around. We're lucky to have him on the team.”
Small's accuracy from the line is no accident. Rather, it's the result of taking free throws over and over during practices. “He (Miller) makes us shoot like 100,” Small said.
He can score from the outside and he can penetrate. “I can do both," Small said. "Most of the time I can get to the basket.”
Small, who started playing the game when he was seven, is a fan of the pro games. “I watch a lot of NBA games and I want to be like those players. I like to watch the (Golden State) Warriors, but my favorite player is Russell Westbrook.”
Small is not sure where he will be a year from now, but he's hoping to receive some scholarship offers.
Montgomery County's next game will be Jan. 12 against county rival Winona. Small scored 21 points in a 61-41 Hornet victory when the teams met a month ago at the Winona tournament.
