On Feb. 5, Charles Crews led the Strawberry Crest Chargers in a 63-56 win over Armwood with 17 points and four steals, and also added five rebounds and three assists. Crews also scored 15 and made three three-pointers in the Chargers’ 54-53 win over Blake on Feb. 7. His average of 15 points per game on the season leads all Chargers and he ranks second on the team in assists (2.8) and steals (2.0) per game.
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How do you feel about the way you’ve been playing this season?
I feel real good. I feel like I’ve improved on my defense and I’m able to see the court better. Communication with my teammates, knowing what they’re good at and what they’re not good at. I feel like I can play off of that energy with everybody. Getting energy from them makes me play better.
What’s the best thing about being on a team with this group of guys and these coaches?
We’ve just all got a good bond with each other. We don’t get mad at each other, we just keep playing and get over it.
What’s an example of a time when things could have gone really bad and you all could have lost your cool, but you didn’t and things worked out like that?
There were a lot of games like that. (East Bay), the first time we played them, we were struggling the whole game but we just didn’t give up. We won by a couple of points, I think (Ed. note: Crest won that game, 54-50, on Dec. 14). We just keep fighting.
When did you start playing basketball?
When I was 4. I started playing AAU in fourth grade.
What made you stay with it?
My parents, they believed in me when I was little.
Do you play any other sports?
Just basketball. I played football when I was little. That was fun.
What sport have you never tried before but would if you could?
Soccer. I’ve never played soccer before. It’s kind of fun watching it but I don’t know why.
What’s been the highlight of the season for you?
Seeing my friend (Jaydan Harley), he finally got a chance to play varsity. That was the most exciting moment.