Osseo's begins the Class 4A, Section 5 playoffs at 7 p.m. Thursday with a home game against Park Center that means something extra to Orioles' point guard Terez Vanpelt.

Vanpelt, a senior averaging 16 points and 6.5 assists per game for the No. 1-seeded Orioles, is new to the team this season after transferring from Park Center.

Osseo coach Tim Theisen said Vanpelt's personality helped make the transition seamless.

"He's a leader," Theisen said. "The kids responded to him. He came into our program knowing he needed to score but he also had to get others involved."

Vanpelt possesses great quickness with the ball in his hands, a knack for finding teammates and a surprising ability to get to rebounds.

Vanpelt spoke with Star Tribune reporter David La Vaque about coming to Osseo, learning his role and his excitement for the approaching playoffs.

Q How did you go about deciding to transfer from Park Center to Osseo?
A I had a great time at Park Center but it was a situation where the coach was leaving and I really didn't want to go through the whole rebuilding process as a senior. And we were moving anyway, so it made sense and it worked out perfectly.

Q How has it gone in terms of fitting in?
A It's been a great experience. I actually went to junior high with a lot of the kids.

Q What about fitting in on the team? How has that process gone?
A I'm not really a selfish player at all. I knew I was coming into a new team and people like Joey Sonnenfeld and Michael Brush have been there. I just wanted to find a way to fit in with them and be a great teammate. The guys all accepted me and it all worked out fine.

Q Coach said you are also a leader on this team. When did you feel comfortable taking that role?
A It kind of happened right away. To me, it starts with practice. They say you practice how you play and I'm a believer in that. Going hard every practice sets our mentality for the game. So I feel like it starts in practice, speaking up in the huddle and at halftime before the coaches come in the locker room.

Q When your game is on, what works well for you?
A Well, probably pushing the ball up in transition. And that starts with our team playing great defense. I give a lot of credit to our big guys and our defense for getting stops and starting the offense.

Q You've got Park Center on Thursday. You played them twice this season but is it any different to think about seeing them in the playoffs?
A I'll try my best to stay poised and keep my team under control. If the point guard is under control, the team is under control. But it's a rivalry game and there will be a lot of intensity.

Q Are you any more excited about going into the playoffs as a No. 1 seed instead of a lower seed?
A It's definitely a lot of excitement. We feel like we have something to live up to. We want to go out there and get it. It's a lot of pressure but the guys are close. We want to stay humble and keep working hard.