Dalton, a teen-ager on a mission.

I'm watching with interest, a 16-year-old kid in my neighborhood. His name is Dalton. He's 6-foot-5. And still growing. Won't be surprised if some day he's 6-foot-9. Dalton is making the most of his size. And his talent. He loves to play basketball. Practices every day. On improvised hoops and backboards in the neighborhood. On the street. In the yards. But he also plays in gymnasiums. In a summer league. Used to be enrolled at Forest Lake High School. He lives in Forest Lake. But last year, as a sophomore, Dalton transferred to White Bear Lake High School. Fifteen miles away. Because White Bear Lake has a better basketball program. And next fall, Dalton expects to be on the varsity team. When he'll be a junior. Won't surprise me if Dalton becomes a star player. Believe me, he's got ample talent. And he's fine-tuning it. With practice, practice and more practice. He's dedicated. To basketball. And to bettering himself. He's also pursuing a dream. Wants to play basketball some day for a major college team. I'll keep tabs on his career. Some teen-agers know exactly what they want. And they go at it early. As if they are on a mission. That's Dalton all right. --Jim Broede