SOPHOMORE CARRIES ON FAMILY HOOPS TRADITION : CANYONS GUARD FOLLOWS IN SISTER'S FOOTSTEPS.

Byline: Kirby Lee Special to the Daily News

Mike Posey knows his family name will be etched in the College of the Canyons basketball record books when his playing days are through.

Whether it's his name or sister Kim Posey's, though, doesn't really matter for the sophomore guard.

Kim Posey set COC scoring and rebounding records playing from 1990-91. An inductee into the Cougar Hall of Fame, her photo is displayed prominently in the trophy case in the lobby of the college gym.

``It's nice and I am proud, but we're two different people,'' said Mike Posey, 19. ``I don't think I'll ever be able to do what she did.''

Her totals as a spectator at her brother's games over the past two years have been nothing short of remarkable. Kim Posey, 25, travels from North Hollywood to attend all of her sibling's games at COC, home and on the road, including games at Cuesta, Bakersfield and Orange Coast colleges. She also keeps the team score book and helps with statistics.

``There's never been any competition between us,'' she said about her brother. ``If we were both guys it might be a different story. There's also an age separation. He means the world to me and I'm behind him 100 percent. I'm glad he's been able to make his own path.''

Still, Mike Posey is glad to have his sister by his side. As children, the pair were separated by their parents' divorce. He moved with his mother to Fresno for a year, while she stayed behind in Santa Clarita with their father.

Mike Posey and his mother, Denise, eventually moved back to Santa Clarita but moved constantly around the region over the next 10 years.

``I think the time apart brought me and my sister closer together,'' said Mike Posey, who now lives with his father, Jim. ``We can't see enough of each other. We're best friends and she's my biggest fan.''

The Hart High School graduate's bond with his teammates is equally close.

``His unselfishness transcends the court,'' said center Gabriel Paez, recalling his first day of practice when Posey offered him a ride home last spring.

``I had barely met him and didn't know anybody. He's a real cool guy.''

On occasion, Posey, a sports medicine major, has offered his services as a trainer to his teammates, taping several players' ankles before a practice earlier this season.

His generosity was appreciated. But for now, Paez, who developed blisters from the tape job, and his teammates would prefer that Posey stick to basketball.

``I'm only having my ankles taped by a certified trainer,'' guard Woodley Polynice joked.

There has never been any question about Posey's ability on the court. Canyons coach Lee Smelser entrusts Posey, the team captain for the past two seasons, with directing the offense and calling inbound plays.

``He's a good leader,'' Polynice said. ``He's not vocal or bossy to the point where he'll shout, `C'mon, guys. Let's do this. . . .' He's calm and collected and gets across what the players need to do.''

The Cougars' lone returning starter, Posey is averaging 10.3 points and 6.3 assists for COC (12-14), which will play host to L.A. Valley tonight at 7:30. An All-Western State Conference honorable mention selection last season, Posey ranks second in the WSC with a 84.8 free-throw percentage.

When he's not dishing out assists, Posey is delivering pizzas five nights a week for Ameci's Pizza in Valencia.

``It's pretty relaxing; you get to drive around,'' he said. ``I've got bills and credit cards to pay. There's school and books to pay for. You can make some good money with tips.''

A college scholarship for next season isn't out of the question for Posey, who was named to the all-tournament team at the Glendale tournament in December after leading the Cougars to the championship.

Colorado Christian, Texas San Antonio and Colorado Denver are among the universities that have expressed interest in the 6-foot-3-inch, 165-pound Posey.

``He's got a good knowledge of the game and uses his head,'' Smelser said. ``He has the respect of the players. His development as a leader to get a handle on the team has been a real plus.''

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Photo

Photo: (Ran in SAC and AV) Mike Posey, who is a standout on the College of the Canyons basketball team, was preceded at the college in court fame by sister, Kim.

Gus Ruelas/Daily News