Lack of Quickness Has Weighed Heavy on Hauser’s Mind

After being named to The Times All-Valley basketball team a year ago and then landing a full scholarship at San Diego State, Ilene Hauser of Alemany High didn’t exactly barnstorm through her freshman year.

She averaged only six minutes of playing time and less than one point a game.

Still, she says, the whole thing was, well, educational.

“I came down here a little unprepared,” Hauser says. “I’m the kind of player who’s a role player. I know I can pass and run the offense, but I lack quickness and speed. Those are big factors in the college game.”

To gain quickness, Hauser, among other things, will go on a diet in the off-season.

“I need to lose some weight--maybe 15 pounds. If I work hard, I think I’ll contribute more next year,” she said.

Hauser watched intently from her sideline seat this year, learning about the technical aspects of the game and the San Diego State system.

She expects to put those lessons to use this summer when she coaches the girls basketball team representing Los Angeles in the Junior Maccabi Games at Toronto in August. The Games, conducted as a Junior Olympics, are for Jewish youngsters aged 12 to 16.

“Deep down, I think I’m qualified to coach,” the 19-year-old Hauser said.

Certainly, she will find out this summer. The nine-member team includes six Valley-area girls: Jenny Beubis from Alemany; Charis Kubrin and Lorie Oleesky of Montclair Prep; Ysraelyra Horner of North Hollywood; Valerie Arst of Chatsworth and Stacey Waco of Chatsworth Academy.