Daily Pilot Athlete of the Week, Darshaun Garner: Reclamation

project

Barry Faulkner

Darshaun Garner plays basketball like a guy who knows what it’s

like to have to sit and watch.

The latter, in fact, about summed up his role on the Estancia High

freshmen team three seasons ago.

“I was the last man on the bench,” the 6-foot-4 senior center said of his

inaugural season as a prep, from which he emerged with more reasons to

give up the sport than points (three).

“I wasn’t going to play anymore, but Coach (Chris) Sorce (the Eagles’

sophomore head man) talked me into it.”

Sorce saw something in Garner, who rewarded his faith with 18 points and

19 rebounds in his sophomore debut.

“I told him I thought he could be pretty good in basketball,” Sorce

recalled. “Then when he played that first game, I realized I’d created a

monster.”

Garner made the varsity as a junior, starting several games, and has been

an undersized, but undaunted foundation of a team headed for this

season’s CIF Southern Section Division III-AA playoffs. His 12.4 rebounds

per game are third-best in Orange County and he twice set the school

single-game record with 23 rebounds.

“He’s held his own against some pretty good centers this season,” said

Estancia Coach Rich Boyce, who consistently praises Garner’s

uncompromising work ethic.

“He basically gives 100% all the time,,” Boyce said. “He never saves

anything, even in practice. Every coach would love to have their kids

give the effort Darshaun does, not only in games, but practices too.”

Garner’s efforts in three games last week resulted in 43 points and 35

rebounds, as well as recognition as the Daily Pilot Athlete of the Week.

Garner’s determination and desire have made him a factor with rebounding

and defense, since joining the varsity. But, after averaging just 2.7

points per game and reaching double figures just once as a junior (14),

he brought a 12.6 scoring average into Friday’s cross-town showdown

against Costa Mesa. Garner, in fact, had equaled or surpassed last year’s

high game 12 times this season. Through 22 games, he hit the double-digit

plateau 15 times.

“I knew he would be a good rebounder, but I never thought he’d develop

into much of a scorer,” Boyce said. “His scoring this season has really

been a surprise.”

Garner gets a large share of his points on offensive rebounds, or with

posting up on the block. But he has also displayed a decent shooting

touch from up to 15 feet and his more polished inside repertoire allows

him to get shots off against consistently taller opponents.

“He’s small for his position, but, Darshaun exemplifies the kind of big

heart our players have,” Boyce said.

Garner sees nothing remarkable about giving his best and is gracious

about sharing credit for his success with all his Estancia coaches.

“I enjoy playing inside ... it’s better than being a guard,” Garner said.

“I’m usually going against bigger guys, but I like the challenge. I think

I’m the shortest center in the Pacific Coast League, so I have to work

hard for everything I get.”

Garner’s determination helped him shake off a severe knee sprain late in

a PCL loss at University Jan. 21. Despite immediate swelling and severe

pain, Garner finished the game against the Trojans. Then, with less than

24 hours rest, he produced 18 points and 12 rebounds in the Eagles’

near-upset of powerful Santa Margarita Saturday.

Boyce recalls another play which typifies Garner’s gumption.

“The one play that stands out for me this year was against Laguna Beach

(Jan. 12),” Boyce said. “Darshaun was battling (6-foot-10 senior Chris) Manker all game. Darshaun dived to knock a ball out of bounds and was so

tired, he laid on the floor for about 10 seconds. He expended everything

he had just to keep Manker from getting the ball.”

Despite some hard-luck losses against quality opponents, Garner is having

a ball this season. He hopes to continue playing at a community college

next year.

And, as history has shown, it’s unwise to suggest he can’t overcome the

odds to find success as a collegian.