HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: From college to high school for Joens

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By KJ Giles, Xavier sophomoreCEDAR RAPIDS - Fifteen years ago, Brad Joens arrived on the campus of Wayne State in Wayne, Neb. Four years later, he left as the all-time leader in 3-point field goals made, was a two-time all-Northern Sun Conference selection and is currently the fifth all-time leading scorer in Wayne State history.Now, Joens is head coach of the Xavier sophomore boys' basketball team. He began his coaching career in the fall of 2001."Coach Joens really teaches us the raw fundamentals of basketball," Daniel Richardson said. "He emphasizes defense and helps us to improve both individually and as a team."His intensity never stops and he motivates me each and every day."While at Wayne State, Jones led the Wildcats to the 1999-2000 Northern Sun title,  a first for the school, and a Sweet 16 berth in the NCAA Division II tournament. He averaged 15.5 points per game during that season."Brad was a great shooter with a knack for hitting the big shot," former Wayne State and current Creighton head coach Greg McDermott said. McDermott led Wayne State to four straight 20-win seasons and two NCAA Division II tournament appearances."It all started with the fact that he was a great teammate on and off the floor. He was one of the most popular guys on the team because of the consistent manner with which he treated his teammates," McDermott said.Joens hopes to instill some of his past experiences to his young Saints players."Practice and play every day like it is your last," Joens said. "You only get one chance to compete for your high school or college. Do not ever take a day off. It will be over before you know it."