Robert Dennis knew the first day he met Abby Miskolci that he was talking with an athlete who has a lot of heart and determination.

"That first day Abby told me she wants to play in the (Women's National Basketball Association)," said Dennis, the second-year girls basketball coach at Clear Creek High School in Idaho Springs. "But I could see her limitations right away."

So can everyone else, for that matter, but that hasn't stopped Miskolci.

Miskolci was born without a left hand. She has a full arm, but at the end of her wrist are five "little nubs," according to the 5-foot-2 sophomore guard.

Yet behind the play of Miskolci, the Clear Creek basketball program is starting to turn it around.

The Golddiggers, 1-19 a year ago, have gone 6-6 this season and during one stretch won five in a row. They play host to Platte Canyon tonight in a Class 3A Metro League contest.

"We are so much a better team this year," said Miskolci, who has the green light from Dennis to shoot three-pointers. "I'm having fun, and winning does make a huge difference. The team has really come together well.

Clear Creek's win last season came in its regular-season finale, against Sheridan. In the victory, Miskolci made five three-point baskets.

This season, she has averaged 11.7 points, second on the team behind senior Elisse Headrick (13.0). Miskolci also has pulled down 3.7 rebounds a game and leads the team in steals, at 2.9 a game.

"Abby is limited in her abilities, but she is the heart and soul of this team," Dennis said. "She does whatever is asked of her with an unstoppable will to succeed, even as the smallest girl on the team.

"The truth is, Abby is itty-bitty but one who will not give up. With her, the team comes first - it's always the team."

Miskolci was born in Long Beach, Calif., and moved with her family to Idaho Springs when she was 5.

"People see me, then when they find out I play basketball, they ask what position," said Miskolci, who has played basketball only since the seventh grade. "We laugh and say, 'Shooter'. Coach told me my job was not to go inside, just stay out and wait for the ball."

Miskolci said she has had a lot of help through the years from her mother, Marci Carrington. The support from her teammates and teachers also has not wavered.

"Mom is always there," Miskolci said. "If things don't go right, she is always telling me we will get them next time. I think I want to do better just because I have one hand.

"Dribbling is difficult, and I'll play mostly on the right side, but I love to shoot the threes and it feels so good to shoot over the taller girls. And I love to play defense."

Miskolci played youth baseball with the boys, but since Clear Creek does not have a softball program, she will co-op next season with Evergreen.

Miskolci said she wants to play basketball in college and dreams of a spot on a Division I team.

"That and the WNBA is the dream," said Miskolci, who wants to become a photojournalist. "I don't wake up every day and think about my deformity. I know there are many out there who have it worse than I do."

FAMILY FUN: The Cheney name in Colorado now has become synonymous with the three-point line.

In 2003, Adam Cheney of Platte Valley, located in Kersey just outside Greeley, established the boys state mark for treys in a game when he knocked down 13. On Friday, Alison Cheney nearly joined her older brother atop the record book.

Alison drilled nine three-pointers en route to 39 points in an 89-56 victory against previously undefeated Weld Central.

The nine treys were one short of tying the state record, which is held by Kerri Alsbaugh of Alamosa (1997) and Ashleigh Ackerman of Trinidad (2003).

Occupying the No. 2 spot on the list with Alison are Horizon's Jamie Carey (1996) and Michelle Snyder of Northglenn (2000).

ETC.: Ranum will honor its 1976 state wrestling title team Tuesday before the Raiders' dual match against Horizon, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. Information: Susan Guest, 720-542-4804 . . . Kent Denver boys basketball coach Todd Schayes won his 200th game Saturday with a victory against Summit. Schayes, in his 13th year, has gone 200-94 . . . The Nike Football Coach of the Year Clinic will be conducted Feb. 2-4 at the Radisson Hotel Denver Southeast. Dan Hawkins, the new coach at the University of Colorado, and Bobby Bowden of Florida State are two of the featured speakers. Preregistration is $95. Information: John Burke, 602-978-5919, or jburke24@cox.net, or Pat McGraw, 303-660-9155 . . . The Colorado chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame will honor 11 high school athletes Feb. 13 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center. Hawkins will be the featured speaker. Information: Keith Jensen, 303-898-8260 or 970-724-9284, or nffcc_exec@msn.com . . . Sarah Ammerman of Chaparral has been selected the state volleyball player of the year by Gatorade. Ammerman was the News' All-Colorado player of the year this past season . . . Men and women interested in becoming high school basketball officials, and those who already are registered officials, are invited to attend the Gold Crown Basketball Officiating Camps June 14-17. Information: Hal Weizman, 303-355-2823, assignorasocsoa@aol.com, or Dale Velichkoff, 303-451-8619, or dvelichk@jeffco.k12.co.us . . . Academy of Charter Schools has shortened its name to The Academy.

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