[07/18/02]After a stellar senior season in which she averaged more than 15 points and seven rebounds per game, Wanda Calvin earned a little time off.

This week, however, she’s getting back to work with a crash course in basketball.

“I’m used to running because I do basketball and track, but I’m sore. I’ve been working, and I haven’t done anything all summer,” Calvin said with a laugh.

In shape or not, Provine coach Barbara Hartzog was glad to have the Warren Central graduate on her side for tonight’s Mississippi Association of Coaches All-Star game at Mississippi College.

The Co-Lin Community College signee will play for the North all-stars in the game, which begins at 6:30 p.m. at A.E. Wood Coliseum, and is expected to start at forward.

In the boys’ game, which begins at 8 p.m., Hinds AHS graduate and Southern Miss signee Sam Richardson will represent the South.

“I remember when Provine played Warren Central, (Calvin) impressed me, and that’s why I was high on her being on the team,” Hartzog said. “She can play inside or outside … she offers a lot.”

Because of the South’s height advantage it has five players 5-foot-10 or taller, compared to two for the North Calvin expects to see a lot of playing time in the post.

It will be a slightly different role than the one she had at WC, where she was more of a threat to shoot a jumper than a layup, but one Calvin said she was ready for.

“Most likely I’ll be playing inside,” Calvin said. “Hopefully it’ll be a good thing. Maybe I can step up and play in the post. I’ve never played in the post.”

Another challenge Calvin has had to adjust to has been playing with a new group of players. Most of the North players are from the further reaches of the state, so Monday’s practice was the first time Calvin had met them.

Only three players Greenville-Weston’s Erica Williams, Callaway’s Marquetia Thomas and Natchez’s Anjurnet Taylor played against WC last season.

Despite the unfamiliarity, both Hartzog and Calvin said the players have bonded well.

“(Calvin has) been putting in a good effort. They all have,” Hartzog said. “We’ve covered a lot in a short period of time.”

Calvin said getting to know the new faces was the best part of the all-star week.

“Some of them, I’ve never seen before. But it’s cool. As the days went by, we learned more and more,” Calvin said. “When we’re out here, we’re having fun … It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s having fun at the same time.”