Statesman Journal from Salem, Oregon • Page 6

The McGinnis episode aside, he Mychal Thompson's guilty of Statesmen Journal, Salem, Sunday, October 22, 1978, 30 looks like a rookie of the year possession of raw talent The jury is still out on Mychal Thompson but the press already has pronounced the Portland Trail Blazers' expensive rookie guilty. He's guilty of possession. Possession of raw talent, inherent basketball sense with or without the ball. The 6-10 Minnesota Ail-American, never without the beads around his thick neck, has cool unbefitting a National Basketball novice. Yet, with all of his poise and confidence in his ability "I know I can play in the NBA" he admits rje has a lot to learn about the violent sophistications of the professional game as opposed to the collegiate style of play.

And, take if from coach Jack Ramsay, hi's coachable. He will learn. He is 1 learning. ALREADY HE GOES TO the starting line for the fourth time tonight at Portland against Phoenix he has shown signs of someday learning all of He rebounds with authority and has shown the ability to find a friend down-court on the outlet pass that shifts Portland's fast break into high gear. His defense, although he shows an early tendency for fouling too much, is basic and adequate.

AFTER SCORING 60 points and grabbing 23 rebounds in his first two games, Thompson was the scapegoat in a clinic conducted by Denver's George McGinnis, a refugee from the quarrelsome Philadelphia 76ers who is more at home in the mile-high city in the Rockies. There is little doubt that Thompson, a native of Nassau in the Bahamas, learned from McGinnis's crash course. And there is less doubt he will be a patsy for he Indianapolis veteran the next time around. The 1978-79 version of the NBA marathon has just left the starting blocks. But, already, Thompson has Portland fans thinking about one of the league's rituals, the naming of the Rookie of the Year.

Golden State's Raymond Townsend, Indiana's Rick Robey, New Jersey's Win-ford Boynes and San Diego's Jerome Whitehead. And Freeman Williams, he of Portland State University fame. And that's naming just a handful. ALTHOUGH IT ISN'T always the case, the season's top rookie should be judged on all facets of the game including shooting, rebounding, passing and defense. The bottom question is how valuable is the new kid on the block to team effort? It's too early for a thorough appraisal.

But an early peek at Thompson would indicate he won't have to back up to the pay window his first time around. When Maurice Lucas returns to claim the strong-forward spot, no one should be surprised if Thompson moves Tom Owens out as a starting center. Owens will be used as a backup center, where he seems to be more comfortable and more effective. At least, that is what he de monstrated when he was peeled off the bench to give Walton needed rest. FROM HERE, IT ISNT difficult to envision the worth of both Lucas and Thompson on the front line.

Then, with -the return of Bob Gross, also injured, to the small-forward position, the Blazers could be close to awesome up front. certain Ramsay would make the change slowly and subtly. Two veteran coaches, the first to face Thompson in the regular season, what they saw. Chicago's Larry Costello: "It's a jump from college to the pros, but you'd', never know it looking at Thompson in his" first game." Kansas City's Cotton Fitzsimmons: is very active and very good." Ramsay, who has been baby-sitting'' Thompson: "He is going to be a (NBA) player." And the fans? It was love at first sight of the Bouncy Bahamian. Denver's streak ends against the Hawks IT HAS BEEN SEVEN years since Portland landed a basketball adolescent at the top.

The first year Portland tacked up an NBA shingle (the 1970-71 season) Geoff Petrie shared the honor with Boston's Dave Cowens. The next year it was the Blazers' Sidney Wicks. That was before Wicks's narcissism got in his way and five years before he was shipped out of town when Ramsay arrived on the scene. Wicks is now with the expansion San Diego team after a stop in Boston. The rookie award is one even Bill Walton, a Portland rookie in 1974, didn't win.

It went that season to Keith (now Jamaal) Wilkes of the Golden State Warriors, now with the Los Angeles Lakers. Since that time, Thompson seems to be the first legitimate top rookie candidate to wear a Blazer uniform. The competition could be rough, with the likes of Atlanta's Butch Lee and Jack Givens. With Reggie Theus of the Chicago Bulls and and Bill Arnold (right) won $4,000 Many stay in motels, but some park their mobile homes right in the parking lot of the tavern. One group even pitched a tent this year.

"Only about ten percent of the people who are here this weekend belong to the local group," McDonald said. "We have people coming from all over the West I ll.lH..ll.iy II l.llll I I 'A I jV I ivi ft 'lifcsA i i 1T MiitM-'f i mm i lamiinr i ii firiiim inmiiiiii mm Freddy Boyce (left) Stuck on darts Statesman Journal photo by Dee Ann Hill They say they play for fun. Mixed Doubles Roger and Sandy Christal, Port- land; Jack White, Portland, and Lindy Waymier, Seattle; Fred and Jeanne Boyce, Richmond, B.C., Bill and Mary Arnold, Richmond, B.C. Open Doubles Dink Luttrell, St. Helen's, and George Tibbetts, Portland; Steve McDonald, Salem, and Woody Parker, Salem, Bart Bangay, Victoria, and Rod Corless, Victoria; Fred Boyce, Richmond, B.

and Bill Arnold, Richmond, B.C.; Ron Salem, and Bud Koenig, Salem. last year in darts tournaments. Coast, and I think we even have a group from Chicago this year." The tournament continues today at the Free Loader. Ladies Open play begins at 11 a.m. Open singles play begins at 1 p.m.

Blind Draw Doubles Tom Brittain, Seattle, and Jack White, Portland; Dan Carpenter, Salem, and Fred Boyce, Richmond, B.C. (From Page ID) Only a few of the competitors at the Salem tournament this weekend compete as much as Boyce and Arnold. But Salem Dart Association president Steve McDonald said it's not unusual for people to come quite a ways to compete in the Free Loader tournament. Red Hurd the things necessary to reach stardom as strong forward and center in the NBA. (Tonight's game will be broadcast on Salem radio station KSLM, 1390 AM and on Portland radio station KUPL, 1330 AM.

It will also be carried on Viacom cable televison.) Thompson's shooting touch is soft, unhurried. He has an unmistakable feel of the court, both on offense and defense. finds the open man with accurate passing that will get better. NEW ORLEANS (111) Robinson 6 6-12 18, James 4 0-0 8, Kelley 2 6-7 10, Goo-drich 3 3-4 9, Maravich 9 3-4 21, McElroy 7 2-2 16, 1 O0 2, Bailey 1 O0 2. Totals 44 23-34 111.

PHILADELPHIA (130) Erving 6 6-6 18, B. Jones 3 5-5 11, C. Jones 6 1-1 13, Collins 10 2-3 22, Cheeks 2 2-2 6, Bibby 8 2-4 18, Simpson 2 00 100 2. Totals 51 28-33 130. New Orleans 25 21 28 37-111 Philadelphia 30 29 35-130 Fouled out-Kelley.

Total fouls-New Orleans, 32. Philadelphia, 26. Technicals- Maravich. A 10,101. Bullets 1 1 9, Pistons 99 Charlie Johnson came off the bench to score 24 points and pace unbeaten Washington.

Johnson, who came in when Larry Wright sprained his ankle early in the second quarter, sank seven of nine shots as the Bullets pulled in front 64-54 by intermission. DETROIT (99) Carr 2 1-2 5, Tyler 7 2-5 16, Lanier 12 5-7 29, Long 6 00 12, Porter 5 4-6 14, Douglas 3 0-0 6, Poquette I 1-2 3, Tatum 0 M) 0, Green 6 2-2 14. Totals 42 15-24 99. WASHINGTON (119) Ballard 1 00 2, Hayes 7 3-3 17, Unseld 1 2-2 4, Grevey 8 1- 1 17, Henderson 8 0-0 16, Dandridge 6 4-4 16, Kupchak 8 2- 3 18, Wright 1 00 2, Johnson 12 0-0 24, Phegley 0 3-5 3, Corzine 0 0-0 0. Totals 52 15-18 119.

Detroit 27 29 30 13- 99 Washington 24 40 22 33-119 Fouled out-Douglas, Ballard. Total fouls-Delroit 23, Washington 24. Technicals-Detroit team, acting Detroit Coach Adubato. Pacers 1 25, Clippers 1 1 9 Alex English scored a carreer-high 32 points as the Indiana Pacers beat San Diego. The victory was the 500th regular-season coaching victory for Bobby Leonard in a career that dates back to 1962.

SAN DIEGO (119) Wicks 4 7-8 15, Washington 4 6-8 14, Nater 4 2-4 10, Smith 8 6-7 22, Free 15 5-5 35, Weatherspoon 40-08, Norman 4 0-0 8, Kunnert 3 1-1 7. Totals 46 27-33 119. INDIANA (125) English 12 8-8 32, Bantom 6 3-4 15, Edwards 6 9-14 21, Sobers 11 3-4 25, Davis 6 2-2 14, Elmore 1 2-2 4, Calhoun 0 0O 0, Stacom 1 OO 2, Robey 5 2-2 12, Radford 0 00 0. Totals 48 29-36 125. San Diego 31 27 29 32-119 Indiana 28 27 31 39-125 Fouled fouls San Diego 31, Indiana 25.

Technical-San Diego Coach Shue; Indiana Coach Leonard. A 9,243. Rockets 118, Celtics 101 Rudy Tomjanovich pumped in a game high 30 points and Calvin Murphy added 27 more to power Houston. Tomjanovich and Murphy helped fuel a 14-point Rockets spurt early in the third quarter which gave them a 72-60 lead. BOSTON (101) Bames 1 0-0 2, Maxwell 64-5 16, Cowens 2 2-2 6, Chan-ey 10-02, White 600 12, Knight 10 1-4 21, Archibald 76-8 20, Judkins 2 2-2 6, Williams 1 00 2, Ford 5 4-5 14.

Totals 41 19-26 101. HOUSTON (118) Barry 7 4-4 18, Tomjanovich 14 2-2 30, Malone 6 2-2 14, Murphy 11 5-5 27, Reid 81-117, Dunleavy 1 2-2 4, Jones 2 2-2 6, Watts 0 (Ml 0, Bradley 1 OO 2. Barker 0 (M) 0. Totals 50 18-18 118. Boston 22 34 18 27-101 Houston 25 31 40 22-118 Total fouls-Boston 26, Houston 26.

A- 12,523. Bucks 103, Kings 99 Marques Johnson scored 31 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, to lead Milwaukee. MILWAUKEE (103) Gianelli 0 1-2 1, M. Johnson 13 5-9 31. Benson 1 2-3 4, Buckner 3 0-3 6, Winters 10 5-5 25, Grunfeld 5 8-10 18, 36 31-44 103.

KANSAS CITY (99) Wedman 3 3-39, Hillman 4 3-4 11. Lacey 5 2-4 12. Bird-song 3 0-0 6, Ford 36-812, Redmond 5 4-7 14, Nash 6 0-0 12, Robinzine 6 0-0 12, McKinney 2 2-2 6, Burleson 4 1-2 5. Totals 39 21-30 99. Milwaukee 28 34 17 24-103 Kansas City 27 24 24 24- 99 Fouled out -Robinzine.

Total fouls-Milwaukee 27. Kansas City 34. Technicals- Milwaukee Assistant Coach Killilea. A- 7,959. Cavs 113, Bulls 104 Artis Gilmore scored 32 points for the Bulls, but they weren't enough to stop the unbeate Cavaliers.

Cleveland pulled away in the second and third quarters to seal its third win of the season. CHICAGO (114) Brown 2 0-0 4, Johnson 4 1113 19. Gilmore 14 4-5 32, Theus 7 4-7 18, Holland 5 0-0 10, Landsberger 5 4-8 14, Dudley 1 0O2.Sheppard2 1-1 5, Wakefield 0OO0. Totals 4024-34 104. CLEVELAND (113) Walker 2 2-2 6.

Frarier 4 4-5 12, Mitchell 4 3-3 1 1, Lambert 2 0-0 4, Carr 7 6-8 20. Furlow 7 1-1 15, Davis 1 2-2 4, HiggsOOO 0. Totals 43 27-34 113. Chicago 24 25 28 27-104 Cleveland 24 JO 27-113 Fouled out Chones, Holland. Total fouls Chicago 30, Cleveland 30.

Technical-Chicago Coach Costcllo, Chicago team for rone defense. A 11X130. Sports people FASHION FOR ACTION I 1 i DRAGONLADY 19.95 TRX 29.95 1 By The Associated Press Steve Hawes sank 23 points and teammate Eddie Johnson provided a go-ahead lay-up to give Atlanta a 130-125 National Basketball Association victory over Denver Saturday night. It was the first loss of the season for the Nuggets. The score was tied 115-115 with 2V2 minutes remaining when Johnson sank his lay-up.

Seconds later, Denver turned the ball over and Hawes sank a 12-foot jumper to give the Hawks a 119-115 lead they never lost. After the game, the Nuggets' Charlie Scott leaped into the stands and fought a heckling spectator until police separated the two men. DENVER (125) McGinnis 8 11-18 27, Roberts 4 3-5 11, Issel 5 7-7 17, Scott 4 5-9 13, Thompson 12 9-1 1 33, Boswell 2 2-3 6, Wil-kerson 3 0-0 6, Smith 52-2 12, Crompton 00-00, Ellis 0 00 0, Hughes 0 OO 0. Totals 43 39-55 125. ATLANTA (130) Drew 6 10-15 22, Roundfield 6 1-1 13, Hawes 8 7-8 23, Hill 2 10, Johnson 4 8-8 16, Givens 6 4-4 16, McMillen 0 2-2 2, Lee 8 4-5 20, Wilson 1 002, Rollins 2 2-2 6, Totals 43 44-51 130.

Denver 38 32 24 31-125 Atlanta 16 37 29 28-130 Fouled out-McGinnis, Roberts, Scott, Smith, McMillen. Total fouls-Denver, 34. Atlanta, 39. TechnicalsScott, Rollins, McGinnis, Denver Coach Brown. A-9J67.

Knicks 109, Nets 108 Bob McAdoo scored New York's last seven points, including a free throw with one second to play, to give the Knicks their victory. NEW JERSEY (106) King 9 3-7 21, Washington 4 0-0 8, Johnson 2 1-3 5, Money 9 1-3 19, Williamson 10 7-7 27, Elliott 3 2-2 8. Boynes 3 2-2 8, Van Breda Kolff 1 2-3 4, Jordan 1 0-0 2. Bassett 0 6-9 6. Totals 42 24-36 106.

NEW YORK (109) Gondrezick 1 145-1133, Webster62-4 14, Glenn 0 0-00, Knight 0OO 0, Richardson 2 (M) 4, Beard 2 OO 4. Totals 40 29-48 109. New Jersey 30 24 31 23-108 New York 28 32 21 28-109 Fouled out-Johnson. Total fouls New Jersey, 33. New York, 29.

Technical- Cleamons. A 12,418. 76ers 130, Jazz 111 Reserve forward Joe Bryant scored 23 points, 14 in the final period, to lead Philadelphia. Pepperling (From Page ID) her Yates' quick action probably kept Pepperling from incurring more serious damage. "The doctor (at the hospital) said the care in getting him off the field made all the difference," she said.

"For that I am super grateful." Later the family of South Salem player Chris Clemmons sent flowers. So did the South Salem football team. But that was just the start of the goodwill tidings that were to flow in. The topper came Friday night when Pepperl-ing's teammates dedicated their Homecoming game to him. The Warriors won their first game of the season, a 27-7 victory over McNary.

Appropriately, Pepperling wore a top hat for the occasion. PEPPERLING'S WORRIES aren't over, though. He must wear a neck and back brace for the next three months, and doctors have warned him that even a bump or jolt from riding in a car could cause paralysis. Because the family lives 15 miles from Lebanon High School, over a windy, bumpy road, Pepperling is going to live in town for the next two months with the family of a teammate. "It was either that or stay home and have a private tutor," Mrs.

Pepperling explained. "And Rob wanted to go to school." As it is, he'll have to leave classes five minutes early to avoid getting bumped in the halls. It won't be easy. But then Pepperling doesn't expect it to be. He's just glad to be walking and to be feeling good.

11 TTT Specially developed slip-free rubber sole. Featherweight training shoe, designed narrower for you. 1 both teams want the ball so badly, why don't they play with two balls?" People around the NBA are finding out that Seattle's weak link might be a little stronger than they thought. Tom LaGarde came to the SuperSonics in an off-season trade with Denver. Until he scored 32 points Friday night against the San Antonio Spurs, he was suspect.

Afterwards, the Kingdome announcer put it into perspective for Seattle fans. His final words were, "Tom La-Garde scored 32 points. Thank you, Denver." STAN SMITH 26.95 Soft leather upper, multi-grip sole. orion 24.95 Lightweight blue nylon designed for training. life, Arizona football coach Tony Mason says there'll be trouble next week if the UCLA crowd jams his teams' signals with noisy cheers.

Mason says he's instructed his quarterbacks to put up their hands and look to the referee to call a penalty on the Bruins. Maybe he's been talking to Washington State coach Jim Walden, whose team lost to the Bruins 45-31. "I believe we were two touchdowns better than UCLA," Walden says. "But we were 14 points worse than their student body." SUPERSTAR 34.95 Light leather basketball shoe. The defending Japan champion Hankyu Braves pum-meled the Yakult Swallows 12-3 on 15 hits, including four home runs, Saturday to tie the best-of-seven Japan Series at three games each.

COUNTRY 29.95 Special padding for protection. Extra thick heel wedge. OPEN 10-9 SAT. 10 TO 6, SUN. 12 TO 5 Chrome leather insole.

SHOE STORE THE COMPLETE FAMILY The New York Giants still see their games with the Washington Redskins as the high points of their season, even though George Allen is no longer with the Redskins. Allen often got the Giants' collective goat by running up the score against them. And one Giants' player says Allen may have done even more. A few years ago, the Giants got an anonymous letter tipping them that when Redskins center Len Hauss snapped the ball with one hand, they passed, but when he centered with two hands, they ran. "We studied the films and sure enough the guy was right," Giants player Doug Van Horn says.

On the Skins first possession, Hauss put both hands on the ball but "Jurgenson dropped back and threw a 30-yard pass." The Giants still suspect Allen of sending the letter. COTTY REED OPERA 189 LIBERTY HOUSE MALL OLD CANNERY MALL SALEM, OR 777 N.W. 9th, CORVALUS, OR Si I J.li A It 4 II A fl I1 A i i 4 1 4l 1,11 hull I I.