Growing up, Piefka Stonewall usually didn't mind being one of or the tallest student in his class. When he started playing basketball, Stonewall needed to deal with a constant adjustment of playing in the post.

Now in his senior season as a member of the Kids' basketball program, the 6-foot 6 inch Stonewall has acclimated himself well to his surroundings as he is ready to take his game to a new level.

"Last year, I really started to feel comfortable with everything," said Stonewall. "But I worked hard during the summer on my overall game. I feel like I can compete with any of the big men in the (Lehigh Valley) and I know I can be an effective one as well."

Heading into this week's play, Stonewall was the team's leading scorer and rebounder, as he has averaged roughly 12 points a game. He also continues to gain the respect coaches and his peers.

"Piefka (Stonewall) works hard on his game and he understands what he has to do," said head coach Coy Stampone. "He has been able to establish himself in the post and he has had a good couple of games for us lately.

"We're looking for him to finish the season strong."

Consequently, Stonewall has fought battles due to his height since his youth. He credits his father, Harold, as being the biggest influence and drive in his basketball career that began at the age of seven.

"He (father) has always pushed me," said Stonewall. "I was always the tallest kid around and my dad knew it might be tough for me. But he had me playing as much as I could to get used to the competition.

"I am a better player today because of him."

As well as increasing his play, Stonewall is optimistic his club can turn around their season in the second half. The Kids began this week with an overall 2-7 record with four straight losses. However, they played a tight, competitive game against Bethlehem Catholic in a 57-52 loss after a 70-42 blowout loss to Parkland.

The Kids did put together a modest two-game winning streak around the holidays. It nearly matched last year's win total of three (3-21).

"We're almost there," stated Stonewall about his team's progress. "We are a better team than we were last season. But we can't lose to teams we should beat. Against some of the better teams, we tend to come out nervous and then get back into the game.

"We are playing better together and we still believe we can make a run toward districts."

Stonewall also credited the guidance of Stampone, a former high school post player who began his second year at the helm after he took over for former head coach Ed Ohlson.

"He (Stampone) brought a different style and system and it took us a while to get used to it," said Stonewall "We used to play a lot of man defense and now we're playing more of a match-up. But he (Stampone) is a big man too, and he understands what I am dealing with."

Stonewall has plans to continue his playing career in college next fall and expects to attend a junior college or possibly Northampton Community College. Along with basketball, Stonewall envisions himself studying criminal justice for a law enforcement career.

"I definitely want to play next year," he said. "But I know I have to get my grades up first. I'll look at junior college and then go from there. It will be another challenge for me."

It likely will be another tall order he will overcome.