Schlines Does His Homework to Stay Healthy at Orange Coast

Community college basketball has been a real education for Alan Schlines of Orange Coast College.

Schlines, a former Foothill High School player, never had his ankles taped before high school games and practice. Lifting weights got by him too.

In his two seasons at OCC, Schlines, a 6-foot-6 forward, has benefited from his new-found knowledge about weights and tape. He is averaging a team-high 14.6 points a game and leading the Orange Empire Conference in rebounding with nine a game after taping his right ankle following an injury this season.

OCC Coach Tandy Gillis advises his players to tape their ankles even when they’re not injured to prevent serious sprains. But Schlines did not take Gillis’ advice.

Last season, Schlines suffered a serious sprain to his left ankle. He didn’t miss any games but his mobility was impaired and his numbers fell off considerably.

Schlines averaged 14 points and 8.5 rebounds before the injury, 7.5 points and six rebounds afterward.

“No one ever told us about taping in high school unless you were injured,” Schlines said. “Now I not only tape, but I also wear a brace.”

On the advice of OCC Coach Tandy Gillis, the 185-pound Schlines went to work in the weight room after being pushed about plenty under the basket. He put on 20 pounds this season and, as a result, he has changed his outlook on the game.

“Last season seemed a lot more physical,” Schlines said. “This season it doesn’t seem like it’s as bad. Maybe I just didn’t notice as much.”

Gillis, however, noticed the change. “There’s no question (weightlifting) made him a better player,” Gillis said. “He doesn’t get pushed around as much and he is a better jumper and quicker.”

Schlines came to OCC after sitting out a season. Schlines, who was 6-4 and maybe 175 pounds, was too small to be a center, his position in high school.

“Guys my size were guards in college,” Schlines said. “And I never played that position before.”

Schlines, who was taking classes at Cal State Fullerton in the meantime, regained interest in basketball after growing two more inches.

Now he plans to continue his basketball career at a Division II college next fall. He is being recruited by several schools, including Chapman, Cal Poly Pomona and UC Davis.

“I plan to go back to work in the weight room when this season ends,” Schlines said. “I figure then someone can use me.”

Cypress can clinch at least a tie for the Orange Empire Conference men’s basketball title tonight when the Chargers (25-3, 10-0 in conference) play host to Riverside (16-14, 5-6) at 7:30 p.m.

Rancho Santiago (26-2, 9-1) still can get a share of the title if the Dons can beat Orange Coast (13-12, 2-8) tonight and Cypress Saturday.

Community College Notes

Rancho Santiago’s Jevon Hunter, who suffered a sprained neck during a collision in the Dons’ game against Fullerton Saturday, is out indefinitely. Hunter fell with 25 seconds left to play, grabbing his neck as he hit the floor. The game was called with Rancho Santiago leading, 88-70. Hunter was treated and released from a county hospital Sunday morning. He returned to class Monday in a neck brace. . . . The Saddleback men’s tennis team, the defending state champion, is the top-ranked team to start this season. Coach Bill Otta returns all-Americans Carl Hinds and Stan Sanders.