It has all gone smoothly for East Chicago Central’s Jamarie Pollard.
The 6-foot junior guard changed schools and then changed roles but has handled it all with aplomb. In his first season after transferring from Bowman, Pollard has helped the Cardinals win their first regional title since their Class 4A state championship season in 2007.
“It was a great transition,” he said. “I adapted to the coaching system, the players on the team, and figured out what to do to help the team win and play my role.”
Pollard is averaging 8.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.9 steals for East Chicago Central (20-8), which will try to take another step against Delta (17-7) in the semifinals of the Class 3A Logansport Semistate on Saturday.
Pollard began this season as a starter. He has more recently been the Cardinals’ top reserve.
“He’s in a new role as sixth man,” East Chicago coach Alaa Mroueh said. “He was starting up until February. Now he’s coming off the bench with a spark every time. That’s been pivotal in how our defensive game has improved.”
Pollard, who averaged 10.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.9 steals last season before returning to his hometown school, has gotten better defensively too.
“Pollard’s defensive improvements over the year have been big in our success,” Mroueh said. “He’s just super active, brings a lot of energy.
“Seeing what Jamarie’s been able to do, he started the year off leading the area in 3-pointers made, then sort of slowed down in that aspect. But he picked up on the defensive end, and with him picking up on the defensive end, he’s found his spark back on the offensive end. He’s dangerous on both ends right now.”
Pollard has embraced whatever he has been asked to do, including coming off the bench.
“It’s been good,” he said. “I adapted to it these last few games. I got used to it. I’m happy I’m playing the same role and just bringing the same energy as when I started.
“Just make shots, play defense really hard, communicate on both ends of the court, help people find their right positions on plays that he calls.”
Senior forward Greg Williams knew Pollard, who scored 12 points during the Cardinals’ 78-55 win against Hanover Central in the Michigan City Regional championship game last week, would make an impact from the get-go.
“He’s an amazing defensive player,” Williams said. “He’s a spark for us, and he’s a knockdown shooter. You don’t have to worry about him when he’s out there at all. He knows what he’s doing.”
Pollard has deep roots in East Chicago. His family includes the iconic LaTaunya Pollard, who led East Chicago Roosevelt to two state titles, was named Indiana Miss Basketball and a McDonald’s All-American in 1979, was the national player of the year at Long Beach State in 1983 and played professionally overseas. She has been inducted into multiple halls of fame.
“This year, it’s been what I expected,” Jamarie Pollard said. “I just wanted to play in front of my family, in my hometown, and for the community, and it’s been great. We just want to keep going.”
