THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 3, 1996 TAG: 9512300135
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
WHEN NO. 21 STEPS ONTO the basketball court at Smithfield High School, the scoreboard begins clicking.
Standing only 5-foot-11 and weighing 160 pounds, Carlos Parker knows what it takes to slay the Goliaths who challenge him.
He's known as the ``heart and soul'' of the Smithfield team, and he's averaging 20 points and five rebounds per game.
And when there's a loose ball on the court, Carlos snatches it away.
``We're doing well this year,'' the 17-year-old senior guard says. ``Our attitudes are positive, and we know what we want to do - win games.''
To do that, the team practices about 10 hours each week, performing drills and working on strategies that everyone hopes will take them to the state championship this year.
``I've never been to a state championship, but I think we've got a good chance to go this year,'' Carlos says. ``This is the best team I've seen in a long time. There's a lot of talent.''
So far, Smithfield is 3-1, with 16 games to play.
Carlos says his inspiration this year is his 5-month-old son, Brent.
``That's who I play for,'' he says proudly. ``He goes to all my games.''
At the end of a school day, Carlos goes home to study. He hopes to play college basketball and study computer programming. Someday, he'd like to program children's games.
``My parents keep on me about my studying, and I don't mind that. It will make me a better person. If I work hard now, it will pay off later.''
Name: Carlos ``Buddy'' Parker
Birthdate: Sept. 22, 1978
Hobbies: Watching and playing sports.
Worst habit: Worrying.
Pet peeve? Bossy women.
Ideal vacation: Cruise to Jamaica.
Favorite night out on the town: Restaurant and a movie.
Favorite food/drink: Seafood and soda.
Favorite movies: ``Dead Presidents'' and ``Friday.''
Favorite music group/why? Wu-Tang Clan/they keep it honest.
Describe your ideal date: 5 feet, 6 inches tall, about 140 pounds, nice hair and a pretty smile.
Do you have an idol? Yes, Malcolm X. He stood up for what he believed in, and he didn't try to be something he wasn't.
What characteristics attract you to a person? Eyes and personality.
Most cherished possession: My son, Brent.
What's the best gift anyone ever gave you? Socks. It's the thought that counts.
What is the one thing your parents don't understand about you that you wish they did? Why I don't cut my hair.
What's the best advice your parents ever gave you? You only have one chance to make a good first impression.
Name an issue that concerns you, and why: The homeless. Nobody needs to be put out in the cold with nowhere to go.
What type of things do kids worry about today? Drugs. There's still a lot of that going on.
How do you battle peer pressure? I say no.
If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be? My attitude. I have a selfish attitude sometimes. I gotta have my way. And if it ain't my way, it's nobody's way. I need to change that.
Few people know that . . . I am very sincere.
What's the best thing about yourself? I am very caring.
What are your goals in life? To finish high school and college and be successful as a computer programmer. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
by CNB