The Anderson High School boys basketball team has enjoyed a winning record for yet another season. The boys have won the Madison County tournament for 3 years in a row. This year, the team is undefeated in the North Central Conference and has an overall record of 16-4.
Junior Damien King is one of the reasons for the Indian’s success. King averages 22 points per game. This is more than four times the national average for a player of his age. King has worked his way up to this achievement. In his freshman year, he scored just 2 points per game.
King has shown huge progress in the last few years, becoming the Indians star player on the court. “For me I wasn’t always that guy,” King said. “In my other years of high school basketball it has been a way different experience. There was a time I couldn’t even hit a layup.”
During practice King works on his driving ability, post game, and shooting from outside the perimeter.“Practices are hard but we find discipline to stay committed to one another as a team,” he said.
Even though King has improved, he can’t do it alone. King credits the team’s success to his allies on the court. “We have great coaches and assistant coaches and great players coming off the bench as well as in the game.” King stated, “Everyone has their own talents and everyone works hard at practice.”
Among King’s teammates, Sophomore Collin Lewis stands out. “As a freshman I was very confident that I had the skills to play varsity,” Lewis said. Lewis played point guard both freshman year as well as this year.
The team values keeping the game fun even with high expectations. “I just go in the game and play with the teammates and have fun,” King said. Lewis added, “Being on our team teaches you how to be on time, get good grades, and be respectful.”
King and Lewis are both role models to younger players. King said “You just have to work hard every single day and repetition counts and don’t let nobody tell you you can’t do it.” Lewis said “When you work hard at basketball you work hard in life.”
