Campbell coasts to 79-49 victory

By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
CAMPBELL -- When it comes to expressing his feelings toward the Campbell Memorial High boys basketball team, Brian Danilov is like most coaches.
"I think I have the greatest kids in the world," Danilov said.
Then he paused.
"Until they miss lay-ups and foul shots," he added, laughing.
Danilov didn't have to worry much about that Tuesday. The Red Devils expressed their talent with a 79-49 home victory over South Range.
"We always need to play with a high-intensity level, a high-energy level and a high-intelligence level," Danilov said. "And you have to play tough, like Campbell kids are supposed to play."
For the most part, the Red Devils did that Tuesday.
But consistency is the trademark of great teams, and it's something Danilov is hoping his players can attain in every game as the season unfolds.
"I don't have to coach effort, which is good," Danilov said. "Now we just have to learn to play four quarters at a high level of competition."
Championship winner
Danilov coached Campbell to the 1993 state championship, and he followed with stints as the head coach at Ursuline and an assistant at George Junior Republic in Grove City, Pa.
Now, he's returned to Campbell to plant a healthy seed within the Red Devils program -- again.
"It's fun being back in the area," Danilov said. "Most of my heroes -- my family and friends -- are from here."
As Danilov was saying that, numerous family members and friends continued to walk in and out of his office, greeting him and wishing him well.
"Where I've been, I've had great people to support the program," Danilov said. "You need good ADs, you need a good administration, you need good fan support, you need good custodians. You need the whole nine yards."
Leadership
Against South Range, Campbell used a balanced offense, getting 11 players into the scoring column. Teyon Harris and Louie Samonas each had 11 points to lead the Red Devils.
"We're looking for leadership out of everybody," Danilov said.
"I hope we have 10 or 12 captains," Danilov said. "By that, I mean them taking responsibility, working hard and playing for their teammate. That's what makes a good team a great team."
Campbell is 3-2 under Danilov, losing close games to Brookfield (45-43) and Lakeview (54-51). The Red Devils will look to continue their growth Friday when they travel to PIAA Class A runner-up Union.
Tough loss
Minutes after the defeat, South Range coach Rocky Carr hadn't left his bench. Campbell's speed and athleticism were still fresh in his mind.
When it was suggested that Campbell would prepare his team for the Inter-County League schedule, Carr said, "That's the good news. The bad news is, we have to see them again [on Jan. 24 in North Lima]."
The young Raiders were led by Jordan Taylor with 12 points.
On this night, however, it was simply too much Campbell.
"We did about everything we could in the summer, everything we could in the preseason," Danilov said. "Now the kids have to get between the white lines, with none of the coaches holding them by the hand, and find out they can do it themselves."
They're off to a pretty good start.
richesson@vindy.com