BACK ON TRACK; SAUGUS HIGH'S TAMPUS CHANGES FOR BETTER ON AND OFF COURT.

Byline: Scott Magoloff Staff Writer

SAUGUS - A recent Saugus High boys' basketball practice was winding down. The team's final task was a free-throw shooting drill which required every player to attempt two foul shots. If the player missed the first, the team ran two times up and down the court. If the player missed the second, it was only one lap.

The last player coach Jeff Hallman called to the free-throw line was guard Tim Tampus. The only difference was that Hallman said Tampus had to pretend he had been fouled on a 3-pointer and make the ensuing three free throws to keep the team from any additional running.

Just like he has been throughout the season for Saugus, Tampus was on the money. All three were perfect, not even touching the rim.

It hasn't always been such a flawless effort for Tampus to succeed at Saugus. The senior missed most of the season last year because he was academically ineligible and as a sophomore Tampus said he was a role player. Now, he finds himself leading the Centurions in scoring. He averages about 17 points per game.

``It was hell just seeing them out there,'' Tampus said of his time away from the program. ``I didn't even show up to a couple of games. The embarrassment was too much.''

Tampus admitted he had done a poor job of arranging his priorities and seems to have his schoolwork in check this season, Hallman said.

Last year, while away from the team, Tampus spent countless hours working his frustration out in the gym. And when he wasn't lifting weights he was playing pick-up basketball games.

Tampus also spent much of his time playing on an Asian club team. Former Saugus player Nick Echevestre introduced him to the head coach of the L.A.-based Tigers. Tampus was named tournament MVP of a four-game Sacramento tournament which concluded the Tigers' season. He averaged 28 points per game.

``That got my confidence up,'' Tampus said. ``That team relied on me to do the scoring. The coach put (positive) words into me and got my confidence up.

``I was really bummed about not playing (at Saugus) last year. Asian ball was the only ball I could play, but it got me back together.''

The experience of playing in the Asian league set Tampus up for his rise to prominence with the Centurions, he said. Not only did it allow him to expand on his game, but it helped get his approach to academics on track as well.

Since returning to the program Tampus has improved his defense and seems to be even quicker than he was before he became ineligible. He is shooting a high percentage from the outside but is benefiting more from his new-found speed. Hallman said Tampus has been outrunning the opponents' defenses and finding himself wide open for layups.

``He can definitely hit the 3, but he's so quick people just don't run with him,'' Hallman said. ``He shoots layups and pull-up jumpers.''

And he gets these open layups despite his lack of size. Tampus is only 5-foot-8, which makes his scoring average all the more impressive.

``It's really tough,'' Tampus said. ``You beat your guy, then there's a bigger guy right there to pick you up. You just have to use your smarts to try and score.''

Tampus has been using his smarts throughout the year both off the court and on. Should he continue to heed his own advice, Tampus' game can only improve and he won't let his teammates down by losing his eligibility.

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Photo: (color) Saugus High guard Tim Tampus was academically ineligible last season but has returned this year to lead his team in scoring.

John Lazar/Staff Photographer