In Focus

IN FOCUS

Next: A Paulsboro scoring machine

Paulsboro's Daryus Quarles, a smooth 6-foot-5 sophomore who can play almost any position on the court, seems destined to contend for the South Jersey scoring championship before his career ends.

Quarles was one of the area's top freshmen last season, averaging 12.8 points per game. Since Sean McGarr (11.6 points per game) and Rashad Harris (11.3) have graduated, Quarles will assume more of the scoring load this season.

In the last 17 seasons, a Paulsboro player has won three South Jersey scoring titles. Quincy Lee won it in 1990-91 by averaging 36.9 points per game; Russell Carter won the scoring crown in 2001-02 (25.9) and 2002-003 (30.0).

Will Quarles be next?

Paulsboro coach Byron Dixon thinks the time will come. Maybe sooner rather than later.

"He wasn't asked to score last year because we had a lot of scorers," Dixon said. "This year, we'll need him to score, and he'll be more assertive, inside and outside."

In addition to Quarles, Paulsboro will be led by Jon Gardner, a 6-foot junior who is the team's other returning starter. Letter-winners Amir Love (5-7), Kevin Johnson (5-7) and Quiheeme Carlson (6-1) are the other projected starters.

Paulsboro will try to compensate for a lack of height with its speed.

"We'll put pressure on people and see if they can handle it," Dixon said.

- Sam Carchidi