After winning the McDonald's Brazos Valley Shootout MVP award last week, Freshman, Minta Spears was her usual noble and humble self, playing off the MVP award as a team tribute, and spoke of her teammates only.The old-school, 'Pistol' Pete Maravich certainly comes out in the youngsters demeanor and game.

What was Maravich's number at LSU where he still holds the record for points per game for a season and career?

Spears wears the number 23 in honor of the Pistol too. Pete however wore droopy-grey socks. Not cool this day and age.

So I called up Minta to talk about the tournament over the holidays, and she wanted me to call one of the seniors. Typical as you will see.

"We really played well, and our defense really set the tone for the wins," Spears said when asked to comment on her award. "We got a lot of points with everybody hustling back and getting open on breakaways, so it's nice to see that phase of our game improve."

Asked again, how it felt to win the MVP award of this caliber as a ninth-grader. Spears grinned and retorted. "Coach (Greg) Gay did a great job of making some adjustments at some key points in the game, and out seniors seem to really step it up when we needed them this tournament."

So okay, you aren't gonna say anything about yourself. How about working hard for what she earned maybe?

I asked.

"I like to get in the gym as much as I can and shoot at least 500 shots a day, plus practice, and I start pretty early in the morning doing my road work (running)," said the Bullard record setter for the Cross Country team."But I know out there somewhere somebody is working just that much harder and I want to be the best I can be for the team, the seniors especially, the school, and the coaches."

Strange the girl can sing in a first-ever school musical, and star in two varsity sports as a freshman, won't say a word about it. Any of it. It's just another day in the life of Minta.

Please don't move!?!

Takes me back to an old

'Chicago' Song, called "Make Me Smile." Just to watch her compete, act, and play basketball at a level I don't know that everyone is really aware of is teh level she plays at and really loves it and lives it."

Some may think it a bit extreme. They thought "The Pistol' was crazy in high school when he started as a freshman but I am leaving that to you and some Googlin'.

Congrats to the whole team, and to Minta. All-State in cross country, and a tournament MVP at a holiday showcase.

We really wish you'd get serious though!