'Always positive': 13 unsung heroes in Shreveport-Bossier high school boys basketball
Most of them are selfless members of their teams – guys who aren’t as worried about the personal accolades as they are pushing their team toward success.
Rarely do they garner headlines or grab the attention of college recruiters. But make no mistake about it. Unsung players, coaches and support personnel are vital to their teams. Just about every team has one or two or three folks who are a bit undersized or a step slow to be a Division I recruit, but who set the example of a solid work ethic for their teammates.
Check out this group of athletes from the Shreveport-Bossier City area. If you’re able to attend one of their games, single them out and tell them thanks for a job well done.
Elijah Brandon
Evangel, Sr.
The skinny: “He’s worked hard for three years and this year he gets his shot at playing. He’s a great kid and teammate. Always positive! Always positive! Smart kid and a true servant.” – Coach Eric Shepherd
Rotrayvious Brooks
BTW, Jr.
The skinny: “Rotrayvious has been getting better each year. He has always been a team player always giving me an effort every time he hits the floor.” – Coach Kenny Sykes
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Jay Carey
Haughton, Jr.
The skinny: “Jay will be the most important player on our varsity team this year as a leader and floor general on offense and defense.” – Coach Robert Price
Konnor Cotton
Calvary, Sr.
The skinny: “Konnor is a kid who brings toughness and leadership every day to our program. He plays hard, sacrifices his body, does the little things to help our team win on and off the court. And we wouldn’t be the team we are without him.” – Coach Vic Morris
Noah Hall
Huntington, Jr.
The skinny: “Noah is a great everyday guy – attitude and effort – glue of the team. Noah is in his third year and is a great role model for younger players – not only a good player, but an amazing person.” – Coach Mack Jones
Brody Hocter
Parkway, Sr.
The skinny: “Despite being new to Parkway last year and receiving limited playing time, Brody has shown to be our team's leader, glue guy, and ‘X’ factor. All of the guys believe in Brody, and he believes in them. We are expecting him to be a huge part of our success this season.” – Coach Brian Rayner
Everett Jacobson
Benton, Sr.
The skinny: At 5-foot-3, 122 pounds, “Everett is almost always the smallest player on the floor, but always the most efficient and pure toughest. He has no fear of taking full speed charges from guys much bigger than him.” – Coach Todd Martinez
Kadyn Lister
Loyola, Sr.
The skinny: “Kadyn is an incredible leader, not only by example, but also vocally. He always works hard and handles his business in the classroom. He does a phenomenal job of being inclusive and helping bring the younger players along. He is well loved and respected by all of his teammates and coaches.” – Coach Ben Schonfarber
Delarrious Marshall
Green Oaks, Sr.
The skinny: “G is a four-year returning starter and is the most experienced player on the team. He's our leader and he is more than capable to lead this team.” – Coach Demetrius Wiggins
Ejayden McDonald
Captain Shreve, Sr.
The skinny: “EJ is our most influential player this season. He is our starting point guard and leader of the team. He is just as good as an on-ball defender as his big brother. EJ, can knock down the three-ball, leads by example and vocally, competes like Kobe and Jordan, and has the basketball IQ of Lebron.” – Coach Corey Deans
Christian White
Woodlawn, Sr.
The skinny: “A great kid who excels in the classroom. This kid had never played high school basketball, and I saw him in my PE classroom and asked him if he wanted to play basketball for the school. He has made great strides.” – Coach Kenny Wayne Goldman
Bryson Williams
Southwood, Sr.
The skinny: “Bryson is or floor general – the youngest of the varsity bunch – and he’s a DOG!!” – Coach Brandon Gultery
Jack Wilwert
Airline, Sr.
The skinny: “Jack is one of the most genuine young men I have ever met. He is selfless, and is always willing to do little things. He works hard every day, and will do anything for his teammates. He has high character and has a bright future. If more people were like Jack, the world would be a better place.” – Coach Cedric Washington
Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Shreveport high school boys basketball unsung heroes for local teams
