This year, Rebels play Roundy ball

ST. GEORGE — The 2004-05 edition of Dixie State's men's basketball team has a wealth of talent. But when the Rebels need toughness, they turn to former Emery Spartan Brad Roundy.

The returned missionary, who played a year at the College of Eastern Utah before transferring post-mission to Dixie State, is providing the grit the Rebels need if they are to defend their 2003-04 Scenic West Athletic Conference championship.

"We need a healthy Brad," Dixie State head coach Jeff Kidder said. "I knew he would be an important player for us once he got healthy. He provides a lot of hustle."

The sophomore from Huntington, Emery County, missed the entire preseason with an Achilles' tendon injury. It is still sore, but Roundy is ready to go. He has been a key player as the Rebels have embarked upon the SWAC season.

"I just go out and try to provide some scrappiness," Roundy said. "That's all I've got."

Meanwhile, Dixie State's wealth of talent includes returning starter Jason Petrimoulx, a Las Vegas native who has averaged 16 points a game through the Rebels' first 16 games. The Rebels are 13-3 in that stretch.

"As Jason goes, so goes the Rebels," Kidder said. "I really believe he's one of the best two-guards in the country at any level."

Kidder also brought in some serious size inside. Three Brazilians — Hatila Passos, Fabio Nass and Renato Paz — all stand 6 foot 9 or taller. Passos is the power player inside.

"He's got a lot of Jaime Lloreda in him," Kidder said, referring to the former Dixie State All-American. "He just needs a little bit of nasty. Jaime had a mean streak that you need in the low post."

Dixie State's proximity to Las Vegas has Kidder spending a lot of recruiting time down there. Five Rebels hail from Sin City, including shooting guards Petrimoulx and Rob Porter, point guard Stanley Copeland, and forwards Chris Fuller and Devan Evans.

Starters Jerry Turner (point guard) and Henry Uhegwu (shooting guard) hail from Kentucky and Texas, respectively.