Lakey Starts Something Big

The next time friends run into Russell Lakey, they should pinch, shake, even kiss him. Do something to make him realize he’s not dreaming.

He’s 18 and the starting point guard as a freshman for Vanderbilt (10-1), a member of the powerful Southeastern Conference.

Soon Dick Vitale could be yelling Lakey’s name on ESPN after he makes a basket against Kentucky or Alabama.

“It’s kind of weird,” Lakey said. “It seems only yesterday I was on the couch watching college players on TV.”

Lakey, The Times’ Valley player of the year last season at Harvard-Westlake High, has made a powerful statement about not rushing into the college recruiting process.

Lakey wasn’t heavily recruited by big-time schools during the early November signing period and decided to hold off making a commitment. Because of his excellent senior season, he drew more interest and discovered Vanderbilt, a Nashville school with a strong academic and basketball reputation.

“I waited a long time to sign and I’m glad I did,” he said. “Vanderbilt is the perfect school for me and it took a long time to find it.”

That’s good news for two of the region’s top prep players. Six-foot-8 Nicholas Curtis of Oxnard and 6-4 Cody Pearson of Notre Dame both delayed signing in November hoping that exceptional senior seasons would strengthen their reputations with recruiters.

Lakey has started nine of 11 games, averaging 4.1 points and leading the team in assists with 41.

He returned home Friday to spend four days with his family during the holidays before boarding a plane for Tennessee on Tuesday. Vanderbilt has one more nonconference game Friday before starting SEC play against Mississippi on Jan. 6.

The 6-foot Lakey acknowledges he needs to become accustomed to the “physicality” of college basketball, but he has found ways to make a smooth transition.

“Strength helps and I know I need to get stronger in order to get better,” he said. “Strength affects going to the hole, so I have to rely more on my quickness and shoot more pull-up jumpers.”

The fact Lakey is averaging more than 22 minutes a game might surprise some, but his ball-handling and court sense have proved valuable for a Vanderbilt team that starts three freshmen.

Of course, the toughest games are ahead. Going against the likes of Kentucky, Louisiana State, Florida and Tennessee would concern most freshmen. Not Lakey. He looks forward to the challenge.

“I don’t fear it, because to know how good you are, you have to play against the best,” he said.

Lakey is still getting used to college students asking for autographs.

“It’s pretty weird,” he said. “I really don’t see why someone would want my autograph, but if it makes them feel better. . . .”

Lakey also is still adjusting to the weather in Nashville.

“When I left, it was 15 degrees,” he said.

No matter how cold it gets, Lakey isn’t about to abandon Vanderbilt, where he’s living out his basketball fantasy.

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Another point guard who aspires to duplicate Lakey’s success is 16-year-old Marc Holmquist of Saugus.

He’s averaging 11 points and seven assists for the Centurions (5-5), who begin defense of their Hart tournament championship at 6:30 tonight in a first-round game against West Bakersfield.

Holmquist, a junior, has a 4.3 grade-point average and scored 1410 on the SAT. He’s 5-9, 145 pounds and runs Saugus’ offense as if he were an assistant coach. Against Highland, he had 19 points and 12 assists.

“It’s like being the quarterback in football,” he said. “You set up plays and the ball is in your hands 90% of the time. You’re a coach on the floor. It’s really an important job.”

How dedicated is Holmquist to basketball?

“I just love basketball more than anything,” he said. “That’s my life.”

When he was 13, Holmquist remembers shooting one night in his backyard. It was raining and the outdoor light broke, leaving the basket in darkness. Most teenagers would have gone in the house to dry off. Not Holmquist.

“It’s raining and I’m still shooting,” he said.

Holmquist has been recruited to help coach a group of 11- and 12-year-olds in a Santa Clarita Parks and Recreation league.

“It’s hard work, but I like teaching,” he said. “These kids are really talented. I’ve already picked out a couple of point guards. I’m going to teach them all I know.”

With Lakey and Holmquist showing the way, the region’s next generation of point guards have much to be thankful for.

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USC freshman Jonathon Brewster, a former Notre Dame High infielder, has made a positive impression on Trojan Coach Mike Gillespie.

“He is a good player on his way to becoming a very good player and maybe a great player one day,” Gillespie said. “He’s a special athlete. He’s got this quiet confidence. I really think he can play seven positions on the field if he had to.” . . .

The City Section boys’ and girls’ basketball preview show will be televised at 10:30 a.m. Sunday on KLCS. It will be repeated at 9 p.m. Jan. 2. . . .

Congratulations to Westlake baseball Coach Chuck Berrington, whose wife, Linda, gave birth Friday to a daughter, Ellee Niamh Berrington. “She’s going to be a softball sensation,” the proud father said.

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Eric Sondheimer’s column appears Wednesday and Sunday. He can be reached at (818) 772-3422 or eric.sondheimer@latimes.com