Bailey making up for lost time
Elgin Bailey didn't play a varsity game last year because of Louisiana's transfer rules. Two games into the season, the 6-foot-7, 245-pound power forward from Bellaire High School in Baton Rouge, La., is making up for lost time in a big way.
Bailey went to work on Tuesday night en route to 35 points, 20 rebounds and eight rebounds in winning fashion against Tara High School. The simple speaking Southern said his huge stat line is just a product of his team playing well.
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"We are playing as one. That feels good. I want to do anything to help my team," Bailey said. "I don't care if I score two points, as long as we win, I'm happy…I just try to play hard and bring some more energy to the team and do my part.
"Coach does a lot of things through the big man. We run everything from the inside so I try to be in the right spot at the right time," Bailey said. "It's just how we play. If I go down low and get double, I pass it out and then repost and get it back and try to score."
High-major schools have waiting a long time to see the talented post player. He watched from the sidelines last season at Glen Oaks High School because he transferred to another school. Bailey says the time away has helped him play this season with a clearer focus and more motivation.
Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Tennessee and USC are all involved early in the season and according to Bailey's father, Alabama, LSU, Miami and USC will all be out to see the big fella on Wednesday when the team plays in a tough region battle against Central High School.