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Published on 04/07/1999 All articles from this issue

High School Athletes Of The Month

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Lauren Smith-Hams - Pinewood basketball

inewood School's Doc Scheppler didn't pause a second when asked if Lauren Smith-Hams is the best player he's ever coached.

"She ranks right at the top," said Scheppler, a coach for 22 years. "It's not even close."

The point guard capped an illustrious prep career March 18 by leading the Panthers to their first-ever state crown. Pinewood beat Chadwick 61-45 for the Division V championship, as Smith-Hams poured in 31 points to set a new title game record. Twenty-four of her points came in the second half, which helped the Panthers (31-1) pull away.

The school's all-time leading scorer, Smith-Hams is being recruited by several colleges - including the University of Southern California.

"Lauren's going to be impossible to replace," Scheppler said. "She's just the consummate student-athlete."

Michael Duong - Los Altos tennis

What Los Altos High tennis player Michael Duong lacks in size, he makes up for in speed.

"He's a small guy, but he's quick and very athletic," said Cuong Duong, Michael's coach and uncle. "He gets to a lot of balls other players can't get to."

The senior has been the Eagles' top singles player all season and entered this week with a sparkling 9-1 record.

Michael started playing tennis at age 11, Cuong said, and he's come along way in a short time. Last year, Michael ranked ninth in Northern California among those under 18.

He's also been a steadying influence on his teammates.

"He's a quiet team leader," Cuong said. "He doesn't talk a lot, but he leads by example."