Scott Keyes
Sports Scene
When Kevin Gamble, Sr. decided to take the assistant coaching position at Central Michigan University two springs ago, the former NBA swingman for the Boston Celtics and Iowa Hawkeyes looked no further than Sacred Heart Academy as a school for his children, Kevin Jr. and Averi.
“Ever since my children were young, my wife Alesha and I always sent our kids to Catholic schools,” Gamble said after watching Averi help lead the Irish to a 56-53 Class D championship over Forest Park.
“Sacred Heart is big family, and when we got here, they welcomed us with open arms.”
This season, the Gamble siblings have made huge strides on the court for the Irish. Six-foot-3-inch Averi outscored Miss Basketball, Lexi Gussert, in the title game by scoring 25 points. She shot 10 of 12 from the floor and grabbed 11 rebounds in the win.
“Even though I played at the highest level possible, I never pressured my kids into playing,” Gamble said. “They wanted to play. Kevin and Averi have improved so much over the past few seasons, and to share in their success, I couldn’t be prouder.”
Sacred Heart coach Damon Brown described Averi as unstoppable after her performance in the title game
“She remembers what I told her after last season, that she had to pick her game up,” Brown said. “She busted her tail in the off-season and came back a dominant force. You can’t stop her in the paint. She has great footwork and presence. I’m sure her dad rubs off on her a little bit.”
Meanwhile, Kevin Jr. was also a force for the Irish this season, scoring near 15 points a contest and earning Class D all-state first team honors. He helped lead Sacred Heart to the quarterfinal round before losing to Frankfort.
With Averi returning for the next two seasons, there is no telling how good the girls’ team can be. Only time will tell, but the genes are definitely in her favor.