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Burnell's Adjustment Pays Off In Big Way For LOL Basketball

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By CRISTINA LEDRA, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 30, 2007

HUDSON - A year ago, Kevin Burnell was a new kid on varsity just trying to find his way and plugging in his skills wherever they could be used.

After a summer of building with his Land O' Lakes teammates and enriching his game, Burnell has become one of the Gators' most dangerous players, as evidenced by his team-leading 26 points in an 84-50 win against Hudson on Wednesday.

"Last year he was still a sophomore and he was still learning his role on varsity, but this year he's really stepped up to be one of our main guys, so it's really worked out good for us," Land O' Lakes coach Dave Puhalski said.

Burnell, a 6-foot-2 junior, is averaging 16.5 points, which leads the team, and 5.5 rebounds per game. His 26 points against Hudson were his season high.
Burnell needed some time for adjustment when he first started on varsity, but he felt better as the season wore on.

"I didn't think I was going to start right away," Burnell said. "I just happened to and then I just got better and got more confident. I'm comfortable now. I think I can do as much as I can on the court when I need to."
Burnell said playing AAU basketball with most of the Gators helped out with the team's play this season, as well as his own.

The Gators (3-1) lost their season opener to Middleton, 65-63, then beat Sickles, River Ridge and Hudson.

"I think the season's going really good," Burnell said. "We had a rough game against Middleton, but other than that we're playing really well."

Burnell's development has helped the Gators' depth. They also have Mike Espinosa in the middle and P.J. Potts, Eli Payne and Jerome Harrison - all scoring threats.

"He's had a really good season for us and he's really come on," Puhalski said of Burnell. "He's a great kid to coach. He can do everything. He can shoot 3s, he can rebound, play defense, he leads our team in charges. He's just a great role player for us and he's turned into a scorer now, which has made a big difference for us."
Burnell already was effective as a role player, but now he also can score consistently.

"I'm adding on, I'm trying to score more and it's worked out well," Burnell said. "I think it just comes from playing more on the varsity level.

"I just hope I can help the team as much as I can and maybe win the district and go far to the state tournament. That's all I can hope for."

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