Double the pleasure for Decker
Senior forward enjoys Crown Point’s win over Michigan City
Sam Decker appreciates these games more than most players.
The 6-foot-3 senior forward scored 19 points and grabbed six rebounds Friday night during Crown Point’s 70-46 victory over Michigan City in a Duneland Athletic Conference opener.
It was a near-flawless offensive performance for Crown Point (6-4, 1-0). The Bulldogs shot 16-for-21 from the floor in the first half and then opened the third quarter by making two straight 3-pointers.
Those pair of threes to start the third were converted by Sam Snodgrass, who finished with 19 points. It gave Crown Point a 20-point lead.
Elias Gerodemos added 18 points for the Bulldogs. Rayshon Howard led Michigan City (7-5, 0-1) with 14 points. It was never close in the second half.
Three years ago, Decker didn’t think he would be here.
He played basketball as an eighth-grader and felt he was pretty good, but he decided not to go out for the team as a freshman.
Decker still isn’t sure why he made that call.
“It was the worst decision I ever made,” he said. “It was just a personal decision. No one forced me to do it. I just didn’t have the same love for the game that I used to have.
“I regretted not going out for the team as soon as I did it.”
Decker was welcomed back as a sophomore.
He worked hard that season and emulated his older brother Ken, who played varsity for Crown Point when Sam was a sophomore. Sam played junior varsity that season.
Sam said Ken was “the hardest-working player I’ve ever been around.”
Sam said he had to work to find his game again.
“I struggled with my rhythm,” he said. “Once I found it, I haven’t looked back. It’s been a great few years.”
Decker started on the varsity last season.
Crown Point coach Clint Swan called Sam “a workhorse who is just a humble kid.”
Decker’s performance Friday was workmanlike. He shot 6for-7 from the floor, including 1-for-2 from 3-point range. He went 6-for-7 from the freethrow line.
The Bulldogs shot 25-for-39 from the floor, going 11-for-19 on 3-pointers.
Shooting the basketball with that type of efficiency is rare. Snodgrass said it was the product of hard work.
“We got those shots from running things right and cutting hard,” he said.
In a strange way, Decker noted, taking a year off helped him with perspective.
His love of the game is stronger than ever.
“I’ll never take it for granted again,” he said. “After this year, I know I’ll never play another game in a Crown Point jersey again. I try to remember that every time I step on the floor.”