Former Manual High School all-stater Chuck Sproling scored 74 points against Denver North in 1987, a state record that stands 20 years later. He went on to help Manual to the Class 4A state title in 1988. Sproling, 37, played college basketball at St. John's University in New York, where he served as team captain, then professionally in Santiago, Chile. He is the co-founder of Assistant Coach Inc., headquartered in Denver, with longtime friend, Tyrone Buckmon. Assistant Coach Inc. is a nonprofit program designed to develop a player's game through basketball fundamentals. Sproling still follows high school basketball. With the Class 5A and 4A boys semifinals set for Thursday at the Coors Events Center, staff writer Scott Stocker caught up with Sproling.

1 What do you remember most about that record-setting night?

Scoring the points was wonderful. But playing with a great coach, Rudy Carey (now at Denver East), and great group of teammates who got me the ball was special. Garrett Green had 23 assists, and I don't think a lot of people remember that. I had to get the ball from someone, and the guys were unselfish.

2Do people still ask you about your record?

Yes. But it never has been more important than winning a state championship and never will be. I tell young players: It's the teamwork that counts most and that's where the effort should be.

3You played two years at Manual before the three-point shot became part of the game. What were your thoughts your senior season when it came in?

It was kind of a pro-and-con thing. When I played, I really never knew how far back I was. Then, at times, we were looking down at the line rather than just taking a shot when we were open. That was kind of a drawback. Now, when players take the shot, they have the court sense to know where they are at. Now, it's natural, and it's a technique they practice.

4Which current players remind you of yourself?

I like to feel a lot are like me and I don't have one in my mind that I would place above the rest. I do like Devin Aguilar at Mullen because of his all-around athletic abilities. He is just a great football and basketball player and I'm sure he will be fine at Washington.

5Who do you think is going to win the state title?

I'm going to be looking for Denver East and my old coach, Rudy Carey, to win it all. Rudy is just a great coach and mentor. But I want to wish all the teams the best of luck. I want to see all the kids play hard, regardless of the classifications, and for them not to leave the court feeling they left something out there.