Kelliann Klein

Steve Virgen

To say that Kelliann Klein is offensive minded would most likely

be an understatement.

It’s not so much that she has little regard for defense, it’s more

of an instinct, a reaction that leads her to a shoot-first mentality.

And, for the Corona del Mar High girls basketball team, that is not

necessarily a bad thing.

From behind the three-point line, down low in the post, at

mid-range, or with dribble penetration it seems Klein, a 5-foot-8

senior shooting guard for the Sea Kings, can find a way to score.

After all, scoring and shooting are her favorite aspects of

basketball, the sport she has been playing and having fun with for

the past seven years.

“At first I liked the game because of the interaction with my

friends,” Klein said. “Now it’s more about the competition and it’s

about getting better at something you’re good at.

“I’ve always liked to shoot. I’m not especially good on defense,”

she continued in a laughing manner, “and I guess on the other hand

would be shooting and scoring, and that’s what I do. But, I’m working

on my defense. I will improve my defense.”

Klein’s offensive game has worked well within first-year coach

James Barkalow’s gameplan so far this season. Actually, Klein’s

confidence and willingness to take the open shot is what has opened

up the Sea Kings’ offense and has allowed for other options to

flourish, as well.

“She’s a shooter and she knows it,” Barkalow said of his senior

guard. “She knows she has the green light to take it up. She knows

she has the most leeway to shoot from anywhere. There’s times when I

actually want her to shoot more because sometimes she’ll look to

pass, or pump fake a shot and pass.”

Last week, Klein had her game on. She scored 57 points in four

games (14.1 points per game), leading the Sea Kings to a 3-1 output

and a second-place finish in the Santiago Tournament. Klein scored in

double figures in each of the games, knocked down 10 three-pointers

and earned all-tournament honors. She capped her dynamic performance

in the tournament with Daily Pilot Athlete of the Week recognition.

However, offense isn’t the only role for Klein on the Sea Kings.

She also fulfills leadership duties as one of four seniors on the

squad.

“Kelliann is probably the most vocal out of the seniors, who lead

through their performances,” Barkalow said. “On the court, Kelliann

will probably play the most minutes or the second most. She has no

problems with it.”

One of the reasons Klein is comfortable with playing several

minutes is because she is intent on helping lead the Sea Kings to the

CIF Playoffs.

“It would be very nice to get into the playoffs because last year

we didn’t,” Klein said.

There have been many changes for the Sea Kings this season. With

their new coach came a new offense and also an opportunity to start

on a clean slate, so to speak. There was disappointment after last

year’s season.

“I like our new coach,” Klein said. “Last year, our team wasn’t

together. We were all separate and there were clique-type stuff going

on. But this year it’s been the total opposite, and that helps on and

off the court. We’re working together and we’re working hard on every

point.”

Klein also said she is especially working hard to improve on

defense, which should assuredly aid the Sea Kings as they prepare for

Pacific Coast League action.