The Maddox family takes its basketball seriously.
“It seems somebody’s always watching games on TV or out playing,” said Jennifer Maddox, the daughter of former Wichita State standout Jim and sister fo Kansas University freshman forward Mike.
Members of the Maddox clan – close-knit unit that they are – like basketball so much, they (dad, mom Jan and Jennifer) packed up and moved from Oklahoma City to Lawrence this past fall, just to watch Mike play ball at KU.
“We moved right before school started,” said Jennifer, averaging 10.5 points as a sophomore member of Lawrence High’s junior varsity team.
“After my brother made his decision to come to KU, we figured we’d move here to watch him play. I didn’t mind. I wanted a change. It’s been really great. I like Lawrence a lot. The people have been really nice to me.”
Maddox’s dad had no problem landing an advertising position in Kansas City, making the move financially feasible.
“I know Mike likes it here,” said Jennifer. “He really likes coach (Larry) Brown and the players on the team.”
Brown has returned compliments, gushing about the 6-7 forward’s shooting ability.
“This guy can shoot the ball,” Brown has said of Maddox. “When he touches the ball, I want everybody to yell, ‘Shoot.’ When you have a kid with a gift, it’s important he utilizes it.”
Seems shooting runs in the family. At 5-7, Jennifer can ripple the cords, also.
“You can tell she’s from a basketball family,” said Lawrence JV coach Gary Hammer. “She has good ball sense, passes well and moves well. She has realy nice shooting form.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d think I had her in camp the last few years,” said Lion head coach Larry Zientara, chuckling. “She really has excellent shooting form. What she needs to do is work on moving her feet more. That willcome because she cares and works hard. Defensively, she’s getting there. Offensively, she’s good now.”
That’s why Zientara lets Jennifer suit up for varsity games. She may unveil her shooting touch yet this season.
“It’s hard to sit and not play, you want to get in the game so bad,” said Jennifer. “But I’m just happy I’m playing on the JV. When we moved here, I was just hoping I’d make the sophomore team. I didn’t know what to expect.”
“I want to get in situations where we can get her in games,” said Zientara. “I don’t want to send her in cold. I like her potential and enthusiasm for the game.”
Comments like that please the outgoing soph.
“I’ve had a lot of good coaching from my dad and my brother and I’ve been to camps,” shrugged Jennifer. “I just try to concentrate on the line of the shot and my flip.”
Jennifer is extremely proud of her brother’s shot.
“I’ve heard people say he has great form,” she said, beaming. “He was really good in high school, player of the year in Oklahoma.”
Maddox averaged 25.6 points per game as a senior at Putnam City North.
“It was neat. They made shirts with his face on the front,” Jennifer said. “My parents and I went to all the games. My grandparents did too.”
Mike returns teh favor. HE watched Jennifer score 16 points in Monday’s 74-17 JV romp over Washington. He’ll also be watching her play softball for the Lions this spring. She’s a two-sport athlete.
“Our (AAU) softball team placed seventh at nationals,” said Maddox. “We went to Boulder this summer. I played first base and right field. I like softball, but I probably like basketball better. You run a lot more. It’s a great way to stay in shape, too.”
