He might talk about how he wants to play Division I basketball like his older brother, Jason, who finished playing at Southern Utah University last year. He could also bring up how he stopped playing football as a sophomore to concentrate on basketball.

He even might explain how his dad, Kevin, got him started in basketball by organizing teams for him to play on as a youngster.

“There's nothing else like the game of basketball,” Sloan said. “I just love the competitiveness and winning, and I've been playing it since fourth or fifth grade.”

But Sloan Baker won't say too much about the 18 points per game he averaged through the Miners' first three games of the season, all wins, including a 22-point outing against East.

Carrying the load offensively, he helped Bingham blow past East, Viewmont and Taylorsville by an average of more than 30 points.

Though the Miners had a bumpy ride for the rest of their preseason, Baker has stayed steady in his shooting guard role, putting up about 15 points a game, including a few three-pointers almost every night.

A natural leader, Baker has helped Bingham to a spotless 3-0 record in Region 3 and an overall record of 9-5.

Luckily for them, coach Mark Dubach also has relied on his team captain's consistency and versatility for the last few seasons, including a trip to the Class 5-A quarterfinals last year.

“He's our leading scorer and is a team leader on offense and defense,” Dubach said. “He leads us on both ends of the court and has started for the last two years. This year, he's more confident scoring.”

No matter what's needed on or off the court, Baker takes control. He says he doesn't care what he has to do because in the end, the senior just wants his team to be successful.

“I just want to help my team win games, whether it's through scoring, defense or passing; I just do what I can,” the 5-foot-11 senior said. “But I think my biggest strength is my hard work and hustle. I try and lead by example, so my teammates can feed off me.”

Bingham is hardly a one-man show as Baker relies on all of his teammates, including Brett Sommerville, who also serves as a team leader. The two have played together in AAU super leagues since the fourth grade, and Dubach has seen that positive chemistry continue to jell this season.

“They're great teammates,” Dubach said. “They do a great job together and have really helped each other out, and our team.”

One of the best examples of this teamwork came in December, when the Miners traveled to San Diego for a tournament. While in California, Baker and Sommerville combined for 32 and 34 points, respectively, in the last two of their three games.

Baker says that time in San Diego was some of the most beneficial time the team has had all season, as the Miners bonded with each other and built team chemistry, which has continued throughout the regular season.

But though Bingham is on a three-game winning streak, Baker has had to help them bounce back after several losses, including three that came within five points.

“The hardest thing I've done this season is after our team loses we have to regroup,” Baker said. “Everyone can become against each other, but I just try to have everyone come together and fight through those losses and play as a team."

J6 The Salt Lake Tribune SPORTS Friday, January 27, 2006