Wilder, Ex-Decatur Basketball Star, To Play At Highline Cc

Quincy Wilder, the state's top prep basketball player last season, enrolled at Highline Community College yesterday and will attend classes Monday.

Wilder had been the University of Washington's top recruit, but failed to gain admittance into the school because of low entrance-examination scores. Three weeks ago, he enrolled at Independence Community College in Kansas but left school after six days and went to his Federal Way home.

He's spent the past two weeks deciding between Tacoma CC and Highline.

"I really don't know what goes through someone's mind at a time like that," Highline Coach Joe Callero said. "I never tried to compare schools. I just told him, this is what we can do and this is what we can offer.

"Reggie Ball from O'Dea (High School) is coming to Highline and he and Quincy are friends. They played on summer-league teams and make a nice backcourt. I know that kids want to play with their friends."

Wilder, a 6-foot-2 guard, averaged 26.5 points, seven assists and three steals at Decatur, and Ball, a 5-11 guard, was voted all-Metro League.

Joining them at Highline is former Enumclaw star Brian Scalabrine, who left Salt Lake City JC after spending 10 days on campus. He had been an all-South Puget Sound League player last season after averaging 23 points and 10 rebounds.

"His situation is a lot like Quincy's. He just wasn't happy down there," Callero said. "Prior to leaving, I told both of them, if they're not happy, there's a place for them here."

At Highline, they'll get $200 per quarter and a work-study job that will earn them $1,000. Tuition is $467.

Callero hasn't promised a starting role to either player, but said:

"They are going to have success in basketball wherever they go. My job is to make the team successful, but more importantly have them successful in the classroom.

"They are physically mature; now we have to make them mentally mature so they have a chance to get to a four-year institution."