John Gilchrist, a 6-2, 182 pound point guard from Salem H.S. in Virginia Beach, Va., had an up and down week at the recent Slam Dunk to the Beach Tournament in Lewes, Delaware.

Gilchrist averaged 20.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 6.7 turnovers in three games as Salem went 1-2 at the Slam Dunk. While his turnover total was very high, Gilchrist was forced to carry the load for the Sun Devils.

After one of his games at the Slam Dunk, Gilchrist had a chance to sit down and with the Insiders Report/Rivalshoops.com about his future at Maryland and other issues.

Here is a transcript of that interview:

IR: John, what are some of the things you are working on this year at Salem?

JG: I go out and play hard every day, just trying to get my perimeter game molded as well as my penetration in the lane. Just get stronger and finish well, dish off and play well off my teammates.

IR: You signed early with Maryland even though a lot of people thought you were ticketed for N.C. State. Do you feel a little pressure here because there are a lot of Maryland people that might be here watching you play this week?

JG: No, not at all. As the wise man said, the only pressure a man should feel is the pressure he puts on himself. So I just come out and play my regular game. Whatever happens, happens. I just let the chips fall where they may.

IR: Looking at Maryland, they've had a real strong start to the season this year. Can you talk a little about what they are expecting of you next season. Steve Blake will be a senior there next year.

JG: Steve Blake will be a senior and three starters are leaving -- Juan Dixon and Byron Mouton are gone -- so they want me to step in and make an immediate impact. So I am just trying to tone my game and get it ready for the next level. They are doing very well right now so that is pretty exciting. When I get there, the spotlight is already going to be on them. I plan on stepping in and making an early contribution.

IR: In today's game (against Dublin Coffman), it appeared as though you and your team struggled to get into a rhythm.

JG: This year, we are having a tough time just coming out and competing at the level that we are used to. We are not coming out with enough intensity, and that's frustrating some of our players. We are turning against each other and we are not playing as a unit because all of us are not playing hard at the same time. It's defeating the whole purpose of being a team and the team concept. The other team came out and played well, they picked us apart. We did not get back on defense or switch on the screens, so they were stroking down the three ball. They really picked out our weaknesses today, and I respect them as a team for that.

IR: What did you think of Chris Quinn of Dublin Coffman, who has signed with Notre Dame?

JG: He had a great shooting day today. He was on. He played well, and they really utilized him in the offense. They ran him off screens, and free him up with ball screens so he really does not have to make a one on one play all of the time. He uses his strength, which is his shooting ability, he's good.

IR: I recently heard of an incident in a game where you went into the lane and dunked the ball off a free throw miss.

JG: This happened last week, or the week before we left for Florida. We were playing a regular game around the district. I take of lot of things in stride, as people being jealous, but this other player was talking a little bit too much. And he got to me. So I was at the free throw line, I shot my first free throw and made it. I knew I was about to come out of the game, so on the second free throw, I threw the ball off the backboard, came down the lane, and pulled a one hander and dunked it. The crowd really enjoyed it but I felt bad afterwards, doing that, because I did not want to taunt their team. That's not something I am real proud of, but it was a way of expressing my emotions. They called a lane violation on me, but they got the point. There was no more talking from that end, so I guess we settled that. People tell me to just smile and laugh it off. People try to get under your skin the wrong way by talking and fouling you. If you just keep playing hard, they will respect you in the long run for that.

IR: Is there any one part of your game that you feel needs upgrading for the ACC level?

JG: Playing hard, my outside shooting and getting into the lane. It is going to come with experience, just how to play in certain situations of the game. In due time, it will all come together, and the pieces will come together because I work hard.