Creek making grade in all ways

Creek making grade in all ways

By Mason Kelley | Special Correspondent

January 21, 2009

COCONUT CREEK - A few years ago, opponents always looked forward to playing against Coconut Creek. Then coach Max Ruback took over and, as the Cougars proved again Tuesday with a 68-32 victory over Taravella, they are no longer District 11-6A\'s doormat.

They are on pace to qualify for the Big 8 tournament for the first time in school history and they expect to make a run at the district title. But those aren\'t the things this team talks about.

When the Cougars gathered before the game, they bragged about their 3.4 GPA last quarter, a collection of girls who win in the gym because they focus in the classroom.

"I\'m not trying to build a basketball dynasty here," Ruback said. "What I\'m trying to build here are women, who, 10 years from now, will run corporations."

When Coconut Creek (15-5, 6-1) introduced its starting five, the Cougars didn\'t stop with name, year and position. They also announced academic accolades and extracurricular activities.

Just look at senior Maya Pressley - she finished the game with 15 points and 13 rebounds - who has a 3.8 GPA, is in the National Honor Society and participates in drama and track.

"I love being a leader and I love just being involved," Pressley said.

Then there is point guard Trice Mathis, who missed her freshman year of basketball with an injury.

Then her grades tumbled. She wanted to get back on the floor and Ruback challenged her to improve in the classroom.

"It is probably one of the most important things in my life, because this basketball team was never looked at like [a winner]," said Mathis, who is now a senior and scored 14 points and hit two 3-pointers just before the half.

Ryan Finkelstein and Magaly Orihuela each scored 11 for Taravella (8-11, 1-5).