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Ballard makes triumphant return
Sophomore who missed all but one game last season with a foot injury scores 16.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
OXFORD — Antonio Ballard was glad to be back.
"I'm so excited to be out there because I was injured last year," said Miami University's 6-foot-4 sophomore forward-guard. "I can't describe how excited I am."
Ballard was more than excited. He was a handful during the RedHawks' 66-54 victory over Saginaw Valley State in an exhibition game played at Millett Hall on Saturday, Nov. 8.
He came off the bench to lead the RedHawks with 16 points. In 29 minutes of playing time, he also had eight rebounds, an assist and a blocked shot.
Ballard missed all but one game last season and took a medical redshirt as a result of stretched ligaments in his foot.
"I was trying to bring some energy and build my stamina as I go," Ballard said.
"It was encouraging the way Ballard played," Miami coach Charlie Coles said. "It was encouraging the way Nick Winbush played. I like Winbush and Ballard when they get in together."
Winbush, a 6-7 sophomore, started at forward and totaled eight points, four rebounds and a block.
Pollitz in street clothes
Miami senior Eric Pollitz did not dress for Saturday's game because of an unspecified injury.
"He's hurt," Coles said. "I don't know (the details). I've learned to just tune them out."
All in the family
Coles' son, Chris Coles, is an assistant coach at Saginaw Valley State and said things are going great in Saginaw, Mich., especially since his wife and children have joined him there after he spent his first season alone last year.
SVS head coach and former Miami assistant coach Frankie Smith "is my best friend, outside of my dad," Chris Coles said.
"And we do a lot of stuff Miami does — our defensive philosophy, our offense," he added. "I wish we could have scrimmaged with them for two more hours to learn more from them."
Not so hot on 3s
Miami connected on just 2-of-13 shots from beyond the 3-point stripe. Ballard was 2-of-4, and everyone else was 0-for-9.
Ballard said he doesn't think it has anything to do with the NCAA's new rule that has pushed the 3-point stripe 1 foot farther away from the basket, from 19 feet, 9 inches to 20 feet, 9 inches.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.
