Things always add up for Captain Shreve’s Jyrin Sowell on court, in class
Not much gets past Captain Shreve’s Jyrin Sowell when it comes to mathematics. Multiplication tables, division, the square root of whatever — he’s got it all under control.
That’s because the father of the Gators’ standout forward, who is also his head coach, Corey Deans, used math situations as punishment when Sowell was younger.
“He made us do multiplication tables one through 12,” Sowell said. “I still like math and I am very confident in my skills. Despite what many people say, I believe you use math in your everyday life.”
As the senior leader of an explosive Gators team, numbers are critical for a team with designs on being among the top seeds in the LHSAA playoffs. The District 1-5A co-leaders with Southwood are 17-3 overall and currently No. 3 in the LHSAA Select Division I Power Ratings.
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Sowell’s individual numbers are solid too at 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists per game. The scoring and wearing jersey No. 2 are in honor of his older brother, Jeremy, who suffered a second torn Achilles during his senior season as a Gator football player.
“Jeremy has now moved on in life and is in college studying accounting at Southern Baton Rouge,” Sowell said. “I just want to finish what he couldn’t and make him proud.”
Sowell’s character has been molded by guys such as pastor Joey Ketchum of Western Hills Baptist Church and his trainer at Ezzy Skills and Drills.
“They have only spoken positive and encouraging words in my life,” he said. “I also credit them for making me a better man spiritually and mentally.”
Those individuals have also assisted Sowell with his greatest fear — not reaching his potential as a person and as an athlete.
“I also fear not having a close enough relationship with God,” said the young man who would love to have dinner and pick the brain of former US President Barack Obama. “I want to know his thoughts about being the first black president. I’d ask how he handled the backlash and how he kept up his mental health.”
Sowell, who has played basketball since he was 11 and sees his life revolve around the sport, says his most memorable game as a Gator came during his sophomore campaign against defending District 1-5A champion Natchitoches Central. The Gators won 46-41 to capture the first league title for coach Deans.
“When the final buzzer went off, I felt complete happiness and it proved to everyone that my team could go far as long as we come together and work hard,” he said.
What happens next in the life of Jyrin Sowell isn’t completely clear, but he would like to play at the next level, and he has offers from Centenary and Hesston College. He’d like to major in kinesiology and eventually become an athletic trainer to remain involved in sports.
“I’d also like to speak with injured people and let them know that their world does not stop and that they can prevail,” he said.
Jimmy Watson covers Shreveport-Bossier area sports. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
Jyrin Sowell file
Favorite snack: Welch's Berries and Cherries
Favorite meal: McDonalds’ Big Mac with extra sauce, no pickles, medium fry, honey mustard and fruit punch.
Bad habit: “Speaking without fully listening and understanding.”
Would love to meet: Steph Curry
Toughest opponent: Robert Dillingham
Favorite movie: The “Friday” trilogy
Favorite athlete: Giannis Athekumputo
Country he’d like to visit: China
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: LHSAA basketball: Captain Shreve's Jyrin Sowel is a master of math
