Sewell capitalizing on opportunity

Sophomore guard excels while starting in place  of an ailing Roberts.

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1:50 AM Saturday, November 26, 2011

By Pete Conrad

Staff Writer

OXFORD — The injured left knee of Allen Roberts has given Josh Sewell a chance to start for Miami University’s basketball team.

So far the returns have been promising if not perfect.

The 6-foot-5 sophomore guard recorded his first double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds Monday in the RedHawks’ 71-61 victory at Saginaw Valley State. Sewell is expected to make his fourth straight start today when Miami plays at Southeast Missouri.

“On one hand I’d like to see him use his head a little more,” Miami coach Charlie Coles said. “But to Josh’s credit, I would give him a B, which is a pretty good grade right now. No one has an A.

“I’d like him to take the open shots but don’t take the difficult shots,” Coles explained, noting that too often on a given play Sewell will make up his mind to get a shot regardless of whether he gets a good look.

Sewell ranks third on the RedHawks in scoring (9.7 points per game) and rebounding (6.0 per game).

Coles said Sewell “is more of a scorer than a shooter ... Josh knows I’m highly critical of him, I’ve got to be honest. It’s not because of how hard he plays, but how smart he plays.”

Coles does like Sewell’s ability to rebound and defend.

“Anytime you get 12 offensive rebounds in three games, man, how can you do that?” he said. “Julian (Mavunga) has six, Josh has 12.

“He’s not a bad defender,” Coles added. “He’s a physical guy. He represents a physical challenge for the opponent. You can’t overlook him. He’s not easily dismissed when he’s on defense. He’s pretty tough.”

Sewell will take the court against a Southeast Missouri team led by sophomore forward Tyler Stone, who averages 14.6 points, and senior forward Leon Powell, who is shooting 84 percent.

“They have some inside guys who can really play,” Coles said.

Today’s game

Who: Miami RedHawks (2-1) at Southeast Missouri Redhawks (2-3)

When: 4 p.m.

Where: Show Me Center (7,000), Cape Girardeau, Mo.

TV: None

Radio: WMOH-AM (1450)

Series: Miami leads 1-0

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