Men’s top scorer hopes for Southern Region championship

By R.C. HALSEY

Nick Klinger, an MHCC Saints basketball player, has high hopes for his basketball future, but for the moment being the team’s top scorer will have to do.

Klinger began playing basketball when he was 5 years old. He started playing with his dad before getting involved competitively.

His first team experience was with the YMCA and later he played for the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and various Oregon prep teams.

Klinger graduated from Barlow High School, where he was named first team all league during his Junior year.

Expected to be top five in state his senior year, Klinger was ineligible for the second half of the season due to academic reasons.

This was a major factor in his decision to come to MHCC because he didn’t receive any scholarship offers from universities.

Mt. Hood is the closest community college to where he lives, but the coaches are what really drew him.

“I talked to the coaches. I knew the coaches were good, better than any other coaches. I just talked to them and they talked me into coming here. I’m glad I did because coach Nielson is a smart man and he’s taught me so much. He’s taught me a lot about the game and more about life than anything.”

Klinger is the team’s leading scorer this season. After 10 league games, he has scored 356 points and 89 assists. He averages 17 points a game and also leads the team in three-point field goals.

Despite being one of the top members on the team, Klinger is modest about his accomplishments.

“We have so many good players on our team. Anyone can step it up any night. Sometimes Jake [Glisson] will step it up, or Damarcus [Branch] or Corey [Nielson]. It’s pretty cool to be on a team where you don’t always have to be the main focus.”
While at Mt. Hood, Klinger has been taking general studies before he moves on.

Next year, he wants to go to a university and play either Division-1 or Division-2 basketball. He also plans on majoring in either sports psychology or sports medicie.
“I just want to go to a university next year and get my school paid for,” said Klinger.
When not playing basketball, Klinger enjoys hanging out with his friends and watching movies at home, but he wants to remain focused.

“Right now I’m trying to not have too much fun during the season. During the season I just keep it cool, chill at home, and watch movies with my friends.”

Klinger enjoys his share of video games. He has a Playstation 2 and enjoys playing NBA Live 2006.

He issues a video game challenge to everyone.

“That’s my game. Anyone wants to come at me, come get me.”

Klinger’s immediate goal seems to be within reach.

“We’re just trying to get another regional championship for Mt. Hood. It’s important for us and the coaches. Hopefully our fans come out and show some support,” he said.