(KB - 03/29/06)   As coach Harry Montalvo's daughter, Leo Montalvo has always been a lightning rod for controversy.

"He plays her too much."    "She shoots too much!!"   "My kid can't get in the game because she's always hogging the ball!!!"   "She flops!!!"

SG has heard it all.

Most of those criticisms are unwarranted.   Leo is the best point guard in the class of 2010.    She has a fearless combination of grit and moxie that even her most ardent critics have to grudgingly acknowledge.   At 5'3", Leo looms large amidst the taller trees and often comes away the victor.    Her fierce drives to the basket demonstrate an uncanny recognition of proper spacing and game flow for someone her age.    And she has a "get-right-outta-town!!" jumper, too.

We first noticed Leo as an eight year old playing point guard for the Winning Ways Lady Wildcats 11U.    She was the best player on the team despite the age disparity.

We saw her again playing for the Dynasty 10U alongside Class of 2009 phenom Bianca Lutley.    That team finished seventh in the nation.    At the time, it was the highest finish ever for a Florida team at AAU Nationals.

What immediately drew one's attention was, every time there was a scrum, a pile up or a loose ball, Leo would be at the bottom of it.    She caused more havoc in less time than Stevie Wonder driving a cab in Manhattan.    Sometimes the Dynasty gained possession, sometimes not.   But Leo wasn't giving any shrift.

Last year we saw Leo as a seventh grader scrimmaging against seasoned high school players.    Leo was the one doing the schooling.

Leo opened her eighth grade year as the starting point guard for Trinity Prep.   Not only did she lead the team in scoring and assists, she also was selected as the youngest member of the All-Orange County team.   She and fellow Comet Samantha Shields led Trinity Prep to the verge of a berth in the Final Four, losing in the regional finals to Gainesville P.K. Yonge.

Always perceived as diminutive, Leo has grown four inches in the past year and may be hitting her stride.

Leo is one of a number of Dynasty players that joined the Comets organization in 2006 as the Comets Red 14U.   An imposing choice of a team name, rich in tradition.

This is one little Comet that bears watching.