Novis is no longer a novice
A virtual newcomer to basketball, Parker explodes for St. Al’s
According to Mirriam Webster’s dictionary, the term "novice" is defined with a single word. Beginner.
As simple of a definition as there ever has been.
In that respect, when it comes to the game of basketball, there is no player with a more fitting name than the surname owned by St. Aloysius High School senior Novis Parker.
Because Parker (whose first name is pronounced like the word for beginner) is indeed a novice at basketball, only playing organized basketball for two years. Before he enrolled at St. Aloysius last year, football was Parker’s sport of choice, playing receiver and defensive back at Marist.
"Football was my favorite sport," Parker explained. "I only played basketball for fun in the schoolyards. I played basketball in some summer leagues, but nothing special. But football was my specialty."
However, when Parker transferred to St. Al’s, there was a slight problem. The school doesn’t offer football as a varsity sport.
"I knew I wanted to play some sport, so I went out for basketball here," Parker said.
Veteran St. Aloysius head coach Tony Romano knew right away that the 6-foot-3 Parker had basketball potential.
"His athleticism just took over," Romano said. "He picked up things in a hurry."
As a junior, Parker started for the Cardinals’ team that captured the first-ever HCIAA B Seglio championship, averaging 12 points per game.
"He was just trying to find his place, to fit in," Romano said. "He was just learning the game and feeling more comfortable every day. But he contributed to our team and did well. In the game when we won the HCIAA B title, Novis had 16 points, so he had some big games for us."
But Romano couldn’t have predicted what Parker would contribute this season. Because the virtual newcomer has been totally torching opponents to the unthinkable tune of nearly 29 points per game.
Parker had 32 points in a win over Barnstable, 27 in a loss to Memorial, 39 against Millburn, 30 against Oratory Prep and 33 in a loss to St. Peter’s Prep. That’s some week – one that has the coach in amazement.
"I knew that Novis was going to be the first option this year, but this has been a total shock," Romano said. "I don’t know how he’s done it. He just gets on these scoring streaks and the numbers pile up. There’s no way I expected his numbers to be this incredible."
And it’s safe to say that Parker may only be a Novis or novice by name, not by action, anymore.
It’s also secure to state that Parker has been selected as The Hudson Reporter Athlete of the Week for the past week, the first such honoree for the 2000-2001 winter scholastic sports season.
Improving on a 12-point-per-game scoring average is one thing, but to improve by some 17 points? To almost 30 a game? That is virtually impossible.
"I’m lost for words," Romano said. "People have been calling me to see if it has been true. It is, but I’ve been trying to figure it out for myself. It really is amazing."
But Parker, in a quiet, confident way, isn’t surprised one bit.
"It’s really not catching me by surprise," Parker said. "I knew that if we wanted to defend our championship, I was going to have to score more. I’m not saying 29 per game, but I knew I had to step it up. I think it’s knowing that I could do it and having the confidence in myself."
Parker worked hard to get ready for his senior year, knowing that he was going to be the focal point of the team. He worked to strengthen his legs, to improve his shot, sometimes going to Lincoln Park on hot summer mornings with Romano at 8 a.m.
"I like when a kid wakes me up at eight in the morning, wanting to go shoot," Romano said.
The closeness between coach and player has continued on through the regular season, where the Cardinals own a 4-3 record thus far. Romano has made a deal with Parker, which could result in the coach purchasing a lot of lunches for a growing teenager.
"I told him that if he goes to the foul line 10 times in a game and makes seven of them, then I will buy him lunch," Romano said. "And the kid loves to eat, so it’s a tough deal for me. He can eat about four or five lunches."
"I could hang with you," Parker told the reporter. "My favorite food is baked ziti. But I pretty much like everything."
Romano’s been lucky thus far.
"He hasn’t gotten me yet," the coach chuckled. "But he’s coming close."
Parker made seven of eight one game and eight of 13 in another. Not enough to ring the free lunch bell.
Parker’s sudden scoring explosion has drawn the attention of some college coaches. He is an average student, so grades shouldn’t be an issue. Right now, neither is talent.
"Right now, we’re just real happy," Romano said. "I don’t want to jinx anything. He’s growing as a leader and he’s become almost too unselfish, because he’s such a good passer. It really has been amazing, what he’s been able to do."
Parker hasn’t ruled out a return to football in the future.
"I hope someday I can go back out and touch the football field again somewhere," Parker said. "I really miss it. But basketball is the sport I play now."
Parker has one other aspiration.
"I want to become a nurse, perhaps study nursing in college," Parker said. "I like helping people."
Nurse Novis. Has a nice ring to it. Right now, this Novis, a former novice, of the Cardinals is doing his best to help his teammates win basketball games.