Spain back on track

A year and a half ago, Kyle Spain was the #1 rated player in his class in Northern California and on the verge of national recruiting attention before injuries sidelined him for much of his junior year and the all-important evaluation period last summer, causing pundits to speculate whether the 6-foot-6 wing forward from Newark Memorial High School would ever regain his former dominance. Questions answered.

Spain averaged 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game a year ago, earning All-Norcal honors in Division I despite playing the last part of the season with a shin stress fracture. To recuperate from his ailment, Spain was advised to rest and missed the entire summer.

The injury set Spain's recruiting back somewhat but he still drew interest from Utah, Washington, San Diego State among other schools after his junior season.

Kyle felt most comfortable at San Diego State and was impressed with head coach Steve Fisher. He signed a national letter of intent with the Aztecs on November 10th.

Newark Memorial has a 9-2 record with one tourney title already in hand at the Gridley Tournament, where Spain was named Most Valuable Player.

The Cougars, who are the #2 ranked team in Northern California by NorCalPreps.com, are currently in San Diego for the Torrey Pines Holiday Prep Classic where they are 1-1 thus far with a 62-55 win over Clovis West of Fresno on Wednesday. Spain led his team in scoring against the Golden Eagles, matching his season average of 20 points.