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To the benefit of the Page basketball team, De'mone Harrison has been using his head the last few weeks. The explosive junior guard has assumed the leadership role -- and a surprising knack for rebounding -- on a team that lost its starting five from a year ago, and he's responded with 15 points per game as the Pirates are hitting stride into conference play.

But if you're an opposing fan, you've probably been quicker to notice what's on top of Harrison's head this year -- a three-inch tall flat top that would make Kid 'n' Play proud, the first worn by a Page player in head coach Robert Kent's long tenure.

"It's been a while," Kent said. "When was that popular? When Urkel was on TV? At least it makes him look taller."

Let him explain.

Q. So what inspired the hair?

A. One of my friends asked to do it, so I did.

Q. Just like that? What if they asked you to get the MC Hammer? The fade?

A. I might.

Q. Is it hard to maintain?

A. Sometimes when I sleep it gets messed up, but then you just have to pick it out.

Q. How have fans treated you for it?

A. Someone from Grimsley was like, "Hey! Look at me! Why is your hair flat on top?" Then I hit the game-winning free throws. At Reynolds, the student section is right behind the backboard, so when you take the ball out they're right behind you. My teammate last year, A.J. Finney, had long braids, and somebody yelled, "Your hair looks like a dirty mop!" I started laughing. You have to. It's just funny.

Q. Coming into last week, your last four losses had been by four points or less. Would you rather lose like that or by 40?

A. I'd rather lose by 40, because that lets you know that you just couldn't compete with that team instead of knowing that you were there but couldn't finish.

Q. What was your favorite Christmas present?

A. My mom got me new basketball shoes, all-white Jordan 12s. They're pretty comfy. I've been wearing them ever since.

Q. Do you usually stick with the same pair throughout the season?

A. In the locker room, I've probably got eight pairs. I have the old Jordans, the 60+, that I wear from time to time. My mom'll get angry if I buy another pair because she says I have too many and that I should spend that money on something productive, but I'd probably just spend it on video games.

Q. Have you ever created yourself as a video game player?

A. Oh, all the time. He doesn't miss. He can do all sorts of crazy dunks, block shots, steal it from you.

Q. If you could create a starting five with anyone in the world, who would it be?

A. My friends Deuce Bello, Quincy Miller and Ike Nwamu from my AAU team, D-1 Sports, and (Kentucky guard) John Wall, who played for them two years ago. He introduced himself to me once, and I've just seen him rolling ever since.

Q. Who do you think is going to win it all?

A. I love the Big Orange and Syracuse, but I think John and Kentucky have it hands down. They've beaten every contender, so why wouldn't they win it all?

Q. What has it meant to you to become more of a leader this season?

A. I can tell everybody where they need to be. I have to know the plays like the back of my hand. I have to keep everybody calm when we need it. Everyone listens pretty well, so it's easy. Coach called on me to carry the team over the hump. We've fallen sometimes, but we keep rolling.

Contact Tom Keller at 373-7034 or tom.keller @news-record.com