DWARF TEAM WILL TAKE ON SCHOOL FACULTY.

Byline: Alex Dobuzinskis Staff Writer

BURBANK - The Los Angeles Breakers might be shorter than the teachers they play in school fundraisers, but the dwarf basketball squad has an advantage its opponents often lack: they know how to play as a team.

Since starting in 1986, the Breakers have worked on that teamwork on their home turf in Burbank. On a recent weeknight at the Burbank Community YMCA, the team scrimmaged in preparation for its game Friday against faculty members of Luther Burbank Middle School.

The game will be played at John Burroughs High School, with special rules that force the opposition to only throw bounce passes and let a rebound bounce once before picking it up.

``We have the advantage because a lot of the faculty we play, they never played with each other,'' said guard Mark Povinelli, 33, who at 3 feet 9 inches is the shortest player on the team.

``Typically the crowd is rooting for us. There's nothing I think high school kids like better (than to see) the teacher who just gave them a bad grade get shown up by the Breakers.''

Sometimes the Breakers win against teachers, sometimes they lose. But the goal is to raise money for the school and for the team itself, which uses the funds to travel to Dwarf Athletic Association of America competitions.

``Once (students) see that we're not just some sight gag, they really want to see us do well,'' Povinelli said.

The team - which is made up of 11 players and one reserve player between the ages of 14 and 50-plus - has won eight national championships and three world championships in dwarf basketball.

The team includes Larry Nicholas, known as ``gunner,'' as the team's star rebounder and outside shooter; Alex ``Stretch'' Loyles as the three- point shooter; and team co-founder Joseph ``Italian Stallion'' Griffo of Burbank as player-coach.

Several other team members are actors, including husband and wife David Guzman and Lina Godouse of West Covina.

Guzman has been on the team since it started. Godouse, 31, joined seven years ago and is the only woman player. Godouse said at first she felt intimidated.

``The first time I played I got four stitches (above) my eye,'' said Godouse, noting, however, that the experience awakened her competitive drive and she's been hooked ever since.

Before a school fundraiser, the team typically talks to the teachers it will be playing.

``We know you can drive us inside, we know you can take us inside. But the kids aren't going to like that,'' said Griffo, adding that students often boo when teachers push their way to the basket or block shots.

A few weeks ago, the Breakers played in their annual game against Burroughs High.

``They're in good shape - they're a well-oiled basketball squad,'' said Assistant Principal Jay Gudzin. ``It's not like you're giving them a charity game or something. They're very good, they're very competitive.''

Alex Dobuzinskis, [phone]

alex.dobuzinskis(at)dailynews.com

IF YOU GO:

The Los Angeles Breakers will play against the faculty of Luther Burbank Middle School at 7 p.m. Friday at John Burroughs High School, 1920 Clark Ave., Burbank. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $6.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, box

Photo:

(1) The Los Angeles Breakers dwarf basketball team will take on the Luther Burbank Middle School faculty at 7 p.m. Friday.

(2) The Los Angeles Breakers practice at the Burbank YMCA on Wednesday for their upcoming game, which will raise funds for Luther Burbank Middle School and the team.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News

Box:

IF YOU GO (see text)