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New Jersey prep football standout Kavon Chambers clinging to high hopes of acquiring a scholarship

HOLDIN’ IT DOWN

LEADER OF THE PACK — To his credit, Kavon Chambers has held his own as one of Saint John Vianney’s marquee players. A 5-foot-11, 205-pound speedy running back, Chambers has turned in valiant contributions for a Lancers, a Holmdel, New Jersey-based private institution that opens postseason play November 15 at Donovan Catholic, according to Maxpreps.com.

Kavon Chambers entered the 2019 campaign for Saint John Vianney High, assuming the businesslike approach.

That’s because Chambers is a senior, meaning as far as he’s concerned, he had to strategically devise ways to — you know — get the most out of his final year as a prep football player.
“(I’m) giving each and every play my all and trying to get to 1-0 every week with my team,” Chambers told Making Headline News during a recent interview.
To his credit, Chambers has held his own as one of Saint John Vianney’s marquee players. A 5-foot-11, 205-pound speedy running back, Chambers has turned in valiant contributions for a Lancers, a Holmdel, New Jersey-based private institution that opens postseason play November 15 at Donovan Catholic, according to Maxpreps.com.
COLLEGE PARTY — While Chambers’ quest to sign a National Letter of Intent in the coming months remains a mystery, the possibility exists that his dream of playing college football could become a reality. According to Chambers, he’s garnered letters of interest from Purdue, East Carolina, the University of Buffalo, the University of Richmond, Central Connecticut, Princeton, and Rutgers.

In a year he’s dubs a crucial one, considering he’s lobbying to play at the collegiate level, Chambers has gone to great lengths to turn the heads of scouts and recruiters.

Through eight games to date, he’s amassed 653 yards on 84 carries, according to stats obtained through Maxpreps.com.

His biggest game occurred in 33-0 win over visiting Freehold Boro on October 11 during which he manufactured 209 rushing yards on 12 carries and three scores for a Saint John Vianney squad that won two of its last four outings en route to advancing to the playoffs.

Through eight regular season games, Chambers averaged 93.3 yards per outing and 7.8 yards per carry.

In a year he’s dubs a crucial one, considering he’s lobbying to play at the collegiate level, Chambers has gone to great lengths to turn the heads of scouts and recruiters.

Interestingly, while he admittedly could have done more to boost his recruiting stock during the course of his prep tenure, Chambers doesn’t shy away from the notion that he undoubtedly has what it takes to play at the next level.

“I just need a chance to make it happen,” said Chambers, when asked what he’d like for college scouts to know about him. “Whatever college offers me a scholarship will be getting a motivated and determined student athlete that works each and every day to be great.”

Chambers’ father, Marcus Chamber, his mother, Jessica M. Zamot, are amongst those who have witnessed their son’s progress on the field in recent years.

Like so many others who say Kavon possesses the mechanics to play collegiate ball,  his parents are hopeful their son earns a fair chance.

“(Coaches and scouts) say that he’s a good, all-around person and athlete on and off the field and that he is a Division 1 player with a bright future ahead of him,” said Marcus Chambers, assessing his son’s overall body of work. “I was astounded, but knew since the day one he was born he had greatness in him. The sky is the limit for my son, because he can do all things thru Christ that strengthens him.”

While Kavon Chambers’ quest to sign a National Letter of Intent in the coming months remains a mystery, the possibility exists that his dream of playing college football could very well become a reality.

According to Kavon, he’s garnered letters of interest from Purdue, East Carolina, the University of Buffalo, the University of Richmond, Central Connecticut, Princeton, and Rutgers.

Not bad for a solid student athlete whom, as he prepares for postseason play in mid-November, realizes he’s still afforded the golden opportunity to make a favorable impression, particularly with regards to fulfilling his ultimate goal.

PRAYING WITHOUT CEASING

“(I’m) giving each and every play my all and trying to get to 1-0 every week with my team,” Chambers told Making Headline News during a recent interview.

As Kavon emphasized, though, he’s taking it one game at a time — postseason included.

“(I’m) giving (it my) all each and every day and not letting any days go by without working hard,” Kavon said. “I’ve got three younger brothers who look up to me, and everything I do is for them and my family.”

All of which practically sums up why this gifted student athlete is committed to assuming the businesslike approach.

Every single chance he gets.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to makingheadlinenews@gmail.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Texas prep football player Elijah E. Harvey: ‘I just don’t wanna stop playing after high school’

CRUNCH TIME AUDITION 

LOFTY GOALS — The catalyst of a Sandcrab offensive unit as one of the team’s featured rushers, Elijah Harvey said his primary focus is centered largely on helping propel Calhoun to a region title and, most importantly, a lengthy postseason run.

DALLAS — Just recently, Elijah Harvey was asked to assess the overall landscape of his performance as a member of the Calhoun High football program.

As usual, he was rather forthright and straight to the point.
“I think I’ve done pretty good since the coaches switched me from linebacker to outside linebacker for last season,” Harvey told Making Headline News this week.
For Harvey, a speedy 5-foot-10, 215-pound senior, he’s certainly proven to be an integral part of a Calhoun defensive unit that has emerged amongst Texas 5A-2 Region IV District 15’s finest.
The catalyst of a Sandcrab offensive unit as one of the team’s featured rushers, Harvey said his primary focus is centered largely on helping to propel Calhoun to a region title and, most importantly, a lengthy postseason run.
The Sandcrabs enjoyed a 10-4 campaign last year, which ended in a 48–17 loss to district rival Calallen in the region final in San Antonio.
ON THE CLOCK — Fortunately for Elijah, he’s certainly got time — six more regular season games and hopeful a satisfactory postseason run, to put it more precisely — to emerge as a late bloomer amongst college scouts, this after a summer in which his schedule did not allow for him to attend any football camps. (Photo by Kellie Whitaker)

With Calhoun carrying a 2-1 mark into Friday night’s region opener at Gregory-Portland, Harvey also doesn’t shy away from the notion that this undoubtedly is a crucial time in his final prep season.

That’s because Harvey admittedly is auditioning for the chance to play football at the collegiate level. He especially remains hopeful he does the necessary things that would subsequently draw the attention of scouts and recruiters.

Surely, there’s still a lot of football left to play, although he’s approaching every week as if he’s got something to prove.

In actuality, he does. And he knows it.

“Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning,” said Harvey, alluding to his arguably his crucial days of the week during which he enhances his conditioning schedule.

Besides playing on the amateur circuit years ago, Elijah’s older brother, Malik also is amongst a few fellow family members who have inspired him to stick with football.

According Harvey’s father, Leonard Harvey, he sensed that dating back to his son’s amateur playing days, he was destined to go a long ways on the gridiron.

“When he was small, he used to carry a football are a basketball everywhere he go,” Leonard Harvey recalled. “When he was five years old, what we have called CCYFL is like Pop Warner. I knew he was good, but as a parent, you always think your kid is good.”

The more Elijah’s parents began to sign him up to play at the competitive level, the more his football mechanics were noticed by people outside of the Harvey household.

“When other people start telling you how special your kid, is my first response was (I was) happy that he found something he loves so early in life,” Leonard Harvey said of his son’s football skills. “But then as a parent, I was scared every game, hoping and praying he doesn’t get hurt.”

All things considered, placing his son on field has been a risk worth taking, in large part because as far as Elijah is concerned, he simply could go on without football.

Now we know why, given he diligently boasts lofty aspirations of playing beyond high school.

So far, so good for this multi-sport athlete who, much to his delight, has drawn interest from at least school: Southwestern University in nearby Georgetown, Texas.

FOR STARTERS

According Harvey’s father, Leonard Harvey, he sensed that dating back to his son’s amateur playing days, he was destined to go a long ways on the gridiron.

Could other schools come calling with so much football left to play, with so much more to prove by a kid who’s been playing competitive football for nearly all of his young life?

“(They will be getting a) hard-working player who’s always ready to practice and have fun,” said Elijah Harvey, when asked what kind of player would a college inherit if it extends to him an offer. “I’m as serious as I can be and I will be ready for any moment they need me in.”

Besides playing on the amateur circuit years ago, Elijah’s older brother, Malik, is amongst a few fellow family members who have inspired him to stick with football.

With Calhoun carrying a 2-1 mark into Friday region opener at Gregory-Portland, Harvey also doesn’t shy away from the notion that this undoubtedly is a crucial time in his final prep season. (Photo by Kellie Whitaker)

Fortunately for Elijah, he’s certainly got time — six more regular season games and hopefully a satisfactory postseason run, to put it more precisely — to emerge as a late bloomer amongst college scouts, this after a summer in which his schedule did not allow for him to attend any football camps.

“I always tell him that there is no limit and that anything is possible,” Leonard Harvey said of his son’s display to this point. “I tell him he can do anything and that he has to work for it, has to be coachable.”

Especially long before Friday nights under the lights.

For Harvey, a speedy 5-foot-10, 215-pound senior, he’s certainly proven to be an integral part of a Calhoun defensive unit that has emerged amongst Texas 5A-2 Region IV District 15’s finest.

“(I tell him) when others are at home watching games, you have to be outside practicing, getting better, always wanting to get better and never being satisfied where you are.”

Talk about being rather forthright and straight to the point to his son, a kid who boasts a never-say-die attitude on and off the field, a trend he’s confident some college program will ultimately embrace.

“I love the game,” Eiljah Harvey said. “I just don’t wanna stop after high school. I wanna see how long I can keep this going for myself. Everything about it, I know I can do it, so why stop now when I can prove myself to more people?”

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Arizona AAU basketball player Hannah Young ‘will be D-1 ready’ by 2023, her prep coach says

YOUNG AND GIFTED

BRINGIN’ IT — Besides proving to be as good as advertised for a player whose best and brightest days are well ahead of her, Arizona Select 15-and-under basketball player Hannah Young seemingly has taken it upon herself to go to the extra mile, particularly with regards to becoming a better overall student athlete.

DALLAS — It doesn’t take much to fuel Robin Young’s desire to strike up an in-depth conversation about Hannah Young, her gifted amateur athlete daughter, who’s making her presence felt on the AAU circuit.

Consider, for instance, how Robin routinely goes about assessing the performance of her daughter, a 13-year-old athlete who stars for the Arizona Select Girls Under Amour Association 15-and-under squad that’s based in Phoenix.
“Hannah is a diamond in the rough,” Robin told Making Headline News during a recent interview.
That her immeasurable mechanics, coupled with her length and wing span, have progressed considerably in recent years, Robin and those who have monitored closely Hannah’s rise as a youth basketball player have christened her with a name that figures to stick for years to come.

“We call her the clean-up woman,” Robin said of her daughter, who has gone from a shooting guard to a power forward since making a transition to the 15-and-under division. “She makes moves to the basket and finishes when giving the ball in the post. Rebounding and mid-range jumper have improved along with her put-backs.”

Besides proving to be as good as advertised for a player whose best and brightest days are well ahead of her, Hannah seemingly has taken it upon herself to go the extra mile, particularly with regards to becoming a better overall student athlete.

That her immeasurable mechanics, coupled with her length and wing span, have progressed considerably in recent years, Robin and those who have monitored closely Hannah’s rise as a youth basketball player have christened her with a name that figures to stick for years to come.

During the course of the summer, for instance, the rising Xavier College Preparatory freshman not only established a camaraderie by playing pickup games with her high school teammates, but she also found time between competitive play by taking two summer school classes.

For her valiant efforts: two A’s, a feat that consequently brought her mother to all smiles.

“She understands the true meaning of student athlete,” Robin said of her daughter’s willingness to exceed her own expectations. “She works hard on and off the court.”

A native of nearby Irving, Texas, Hannah has become engaged in what undoubtedly has been an eventful summer for a youth athlete, who’s making a solid case that she’s destined to attract interests from college scouts and recruiters — much sooner than later.

Amongst the reasons is that she’s currently active with a somewhat congested AAU itinerary, one that included a recent visit to the Mill City Invitational in Minnesota and the Girls Under Amour Session II in Indianapolis.

But wait. She isn’t finished.

Hannah also is scheduled to participate in the AAU’s Southern Showtime in Atlanta from July 20-22 and will cap off her summer-long slate by competing in the Girls Under Amour Finals July 23-26.

Arizona Select is comprised of five different teams and three UAA age divisions (15, 16, and 17-and-under).

MORE ON HANNAH YOUNG: https://recruit-match.ncsasports.org/clientrms/athletes/6295766

ALL-AROUND ATHLETE — During the course of the summer, for instance, the rising Xavier College Preparatory freshman not only established a camaraderie by playing pickup games with her high school team, but she also found the time between competitive play by taking two summer school classes. For her valiant efforts: two A’s, a feat that consequently brought her mother to all smiles.

The 15-and-under squad is comprised of its top freshmen and middle school players, particularly those who do not earn roster spots on 16-and-under team. A team that represents Arizona Select’s Girls 15-and-under division of Under Armour Association, players selected to this team are elite participants, who successfully compete against elite competition at their respective age division and are striving to play high level college basketball.

Interestingly, the players will compete in regional and national events against other GUAA teams, as well as against elite competition nationwide. Their schedules include — but isn’t limited to — team practices, skills training, strength and conditioning training, and frequent out-of-state travel.

As for the immeasurable exposure Hannah has had the luxury to garner, Robin says she daughter is especially deserving of it, given her solid work ethic.

“(Xavier College Preparatory) coach Jennifer Gillom is excited to have Hannah as a freshman,” Robin said. “She believes that at the end of her four years at Xavier, she will be D-1 (Division 1) ready. Gillom loves that fact that Hannah is coachable and so eager to get to the next level.”

ARIZONA MADNESS 

NATIONAL AUDITION — The 15-and-under UAA team is comprised of its top freshmen and middle school players, particularly those who do not earn roster spots on 16-and-under team. A team that represents Arizona Select’s Girls 15-and-under division of Under Armour Association, players selected to this team is elite players, who successfully compete against elite competition at their respective age division and are striving to play high level college basketball.

But first thing’s first, Robin’s stressed.

“Hannah’s goal is to bring Xavier College Preparatory its first girls’ high school state championship.”

As if anyone should be surprised.

A RELATED STORY:

Arizona youth basketball player Hannah Young learning life lessons, fine-tuning her skills with help of former WNBA player

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you have a child or team that is seeking exposure and would like an in-depth sports news story, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him for details under “Andre T. Johnson.”

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher of Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and former reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to makingheadlinenews@gmail.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Collierville offensive lineman Kendarius Malone’s mother writes him an open letter as he lobbies for football scholarship

MEMPHIS — Kendarius Malone can be appropriately described as an opportunistic student athlete.

STOCK RISING — Aside from helping steer the Collierville High to a third place finish in the always rugged 6A Region 7 district, Kendarius Malone enjoyed a resourceful, yet crucial senior season which, to his credit, had given way to at least one college thrusting him under its radar. According to the 17-year-old Collierville native, Mid-South Conference member Kentucky Christian University has expressed interest in Malone, who earned All-Region Honorable Mention for his valiant contributions.

Consider, for instance, how Malone, who recently wrapped up his prep football tenure for Collierville High, had gone about doing the necessary things to enhance his stock as he continues to lobby for a full ride scholarship.

A 6-foot, 260-pound left tackle, Malone made appearances — thus made his presence felt — this past spring and summer during camps at the University of Memphis, Belhaven College, Austin Peay State, not to mention the Team USA Camp.

“In the Team USA Camp, I made it to the final round to be able to play for the United States,” an enthused Malone told Making Headline News this week. “However, I had to withdraw so that I would not lose my eligibility to play for my senior year because of TSSAA rules.”

Although Malone didn’t savor the chance to showcase his football mechanics for his country, his immeasurable body of work, nevertheless, undoubtedly was nothing short of impressive.

For starters, he was the catalyst his senior campaign for a Collierville team that finished the season with a 5-6 overall record, but still managed to advance to the opening round of the TSSAA state playoffs.

EYE OF THE DRAGON

SOMEONE SIGN THIS KID — Malone, who recently wrapped up his prep football tenure for Collierville High, had gone about doing the necessary things to enhance his stock as he continues to lobby for a full ride scholarship.

Aside from helping steer the Dragons to a third place finish in the always rugged 6A Region 7 district, Malone enjoyed a resourceful, yet crucial senior season which, to his credit, had given way to at least one college thrusting him under its radar.

According to the 17-year-old Collierville native, Mid-South Conference member Kentucky Christian University has expressed interest in Malone, who earned All-Region Honorable Mention for his valiant contributions.

“I would say that I had an excellent season,” Malone said.

Much to Malone’s delight, no can attest to how great a season he enjoyed more than his mother, Jennifer Bogan.

ALL AMERICAN IN HIS OWN RIGHT — A 6-foot, 260-pound left tackle, Malone made it appearance — thus made his presence felt — this past spring and summer during camps at the University of Memphis, Belhaven College, Austin Peay State, not to mention the Team USA Camp.

Hours after the Collierville’s team banquet Monday night, Bogan took to her Facebook page, where she assembled an open letter to her son in relatively loving, emotional fashion.

Said Bogan in a spirited, tear-jerking, early morning post that was made public before her nearly-400 social media followers:

Congratulations to Kendarius on a wonderful time at the CHS football banquet. You didn’t receive the top award that you wanted, but baby, the champion lies within your heart. You fought a great battle, and to even see last night happen and for that, there is no trophy, certificate, banner, or plaque worthy enough to symbolize how blessed you are after all that you have been through. You didn’t lose sight of your dreams and didn’t lose your faith in seeing your senior football season happen! Your story is still unfinished. The reason of this path is still unknown, but what we do know is there is purpose behind every situation! The thing I love about you is no matter what, you have not gotten discouraged and still hours later, you looked on to what’s getting ready to happen in the next chapter and the next doors that’s opening, and for that I’m sooo proud of you! Again, congratulations on the award you did receive…keep going and keep having the heart of a champion in all the things you do…with God, ALL things are possible!!! Mama loves you! 

Talk about an encouraging, open letter for the ages — this from a mother whom, years ago, didn’t sense her son would become engaged in athletics.

“I never thought that Kendarius would play football, because he was never interested in sports growing up,” Bogan, a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor at Baptist Memorial Hospital, said. “He was in the shadows of his older brother’s basketball teams, being the water boy. I never thought he would play football until he started his eighth year at First Assembly Christian School and the coaches kept begging him to play and told me that they see so much potential in him.

HOLDING IT DOWN — Malone was the catalyst his senior campaign for a Collierville team that finished the season with a 5-6 overall record, but still managed to advance to the opening round of the TSSAA state playoffs.

“However, I didn’t think anything of it and had said ‘No’ to him playing football until one day he came home with pads, and a consent form.”

Malone, as Bogan recalled, was 14 years old at the time.

A little more than three years removed from having come home with a consent form to play competitive football, Bogan’s son now finds himself just one National Letter of Intent signing away from attending college free of charge.

What a difference having initially assumed the role as a water boy has made.

When asked what kind of player will a college be inheriting if he’s offered a football scholarship, Malone said, “A player that is passionate about the game of football… (one who is) ready to learn and be taught how to excel at the college level, a player that is open to all possibilities, and one the will give 110 percent on every snap and every down.

That, after all, practically sums up why he can be appropriately described as an opportunistic student athlete.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you have a child or team that is seeking exposure and would like an in-depth sports news story, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him for details under “Andre T. Johnson.”

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

 

 

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Lewisville High football standout Tahj Martin: ‘It is a dream for me to play college football’

LEWISVILLE, Texas — Tahj Martin is just a tender 15-year-old student athlete.

A great, big gigantic one, that is.

Consider, for instance, Martin’s massive frame that is comprised of his standing 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 261 pounds which, to his credit, is practically equivalent of an NFL lineup.

FRESHMAN SENSATION

UNDER THE RADAR — Assuming roles on both sides of the ball as a left tackle and defensive end for Lewisville coach Michael Odle’s squad, Tahj Martin enjoyed a significant amount of action this past season for the Farmers as his stock amongst college scouts and recruiters increased mightily in the process.

Speaking of the NFL, Martin doesn’t shy away from the notion that playing football on Sundays undoubtedly is amongst his major long-term ambitions.

But first thing’s first: blossoming as a rising prep footballer.

“I am a hard working athlete, who has come from very humble surroundings,” Martin told Making Headline News during a weekend interview. “I am a magnet and people gravitate to me, because of my winning personality and attitude.”

A triumphant mentality certainly highlights Martin’s assortment of key attributes as a true freshman for Lewisville (Texas) High’s football team.

 

STOCK IS RISING — With so much high school football ahead of him, Martin has already garnered interests from Texas Christian University and the University of Texas.

Martin, in fact, is coming off of a productive and breakthrough season for an upstart Lewisville team that finished the 2018 campaign with a 9-3 mark, including an impressive 6-1 record in 6A Region I District 6, second only to conference rival Flower Mound.

Assuming roles on both sides of the ball as a left tackle and defensive end for coach Michael Odle’s squad, Martin enjoyed a significant amount of action for the Farmers as his stock amongst college scouts and recruiters increased mightily in the process.

No one, it seems, can attest to his notion more than his father, Geoffrey Grant Martin, who’s thoroughly convinced that his son is making a strong case that his prep football career will culminate with him signing a National Letter of Intent.

TEXAS-SIZED IMPACT — Martin is coming off of a productive and breakthrough season for an upstart Lewisville team that finished the 2018 campaign with a 9-3 mark, including an impressive 6-1 record in 6A Region I District 6, second only to conference rival Flower Mound.

“Tahj has grown tremendously both on the field and off,” Geoffrey Grant said. “He’s gained a level of confidence and passion for not only his role on the team, but for the entire team itself, all while maintaining his grades academically.”

All things considered, Martin’s favorable display as a true freshmen for the Farmers has, in fact, given way to a few college scouts deeming it essential to thrust him under their radar.

With so much high school football ahead of him, Martin has already garnered interests from Texas Christian University and the University of Texas.

DOING IT BIG IN TEXAS — Martin’s massive frame that is comprised of his standing 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 261 pounds which, to his credit, is practically equivalent of an NFL lineup.

Given the immeasurable impact he’s had thus far in his prep career, expect that list to expand much sooner than later.

“It is a dream for me (to play college football), because I am made and built for the sport of football,” Martin said. “I know that all the years I have been playing will pay off and a college scholarship would be the ultimate satisfaction of all.”

Although he did not attend any camps this past summer because of unforeseen circumstances, Martin was especially active, particularly as it relates to conditioning regularly and monitoring his weight.

“(I would typically workout) Monday and Wednesday mornings and in the afternoons, (and would take part in) cardio training on Saturdays and Sundays,” Martin said. “I also work on healthy eating habits that include making smoothies and protein snacks to build a strong muscle mass.”

DON’T LEAVE ME HANGING — A triumphant mentality certainly highlights Martin’s assortment of key attributes as a true freshman for Lewisville High’s football team.

Despite his overall body of work on and off the field, coupled with the impressive resume he’s established to this point, Martin also doesn’t shy away from the notion that no one has to persuade him not to hit the cruise control button at this point.

Not with so much prep football ahead of him.

“I performed exceptionally well (during the 2018 season), but I still have more work to do. I’ve got to work more on dropping into coverage. I have to work on that. My speed needs to improve, but with growth, I know I will get faster.” — Lewisville freshman Tahj Martin

WAITING HIS TURN — All things considered, Martin’s favorable display a true underclassmen for the Farmers has, in fact, given way to a few college scouts deeming it essential to thrust him under their radar.

A pretty wise and thorough assessment, this coming from a tender 15-year-old student athlete.

A great, big gigantic one, that is.

One whose short list of interested colleges undoubtedly is expected to expand much sooner than later.

So stay tuned.

For more information about Lewisville (Texas) High School football standout Tahj Gabriel Martin, connect with him via social media at:

Instagram: @tahjmartin12

Snaphat: tmahal_878

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tahj.martin.1

Twitter: @martin2Tahj

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you have a child or team that is seeking exposure and would like an in-depth sports news story, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him for details under “Andre T. Johnson.”

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

 

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Arkansas prep basketball player Bryanna Sharp a nominee for TAP Youth Perseverance Award amid Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis

I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time. (Ecclesiastes 9:11 NLT)

 

For what it’s worth, the way Bryanna Sharp’s faith walk is set up, she is determined to see the hurdles about which she’s had to clear from God’s perspective.

VICTORIOUS REGARDLESS — To her credit, coupled with the unyielding support of her family and friends, 17-year-old Bryanna Sharp has made favorable strides since her unlikely diagnosis as a diabetic. It is, by all accounts, because of her glass-half-full approach and bend-but-don’t-break faith that Sharp has been named one of nine nominees for the Perseverance Award in the upcoming inaugural TAP Youth Awards in Jonesboro.

Consider, for instance, how some seven-plus years ago, Sharp, a varsity basketball player at Nettleton High School in Jonesboro, Arkansas, had to stomach the news of her having been diagnosed with  Diabetes mellitus, a development that sent shock waves throughout her family as well as amongst those with whom she is closely connected.

“(My diagnosis) has molded me to become a stronger, wiser, and more humble young lady,” Sharp, during an interview this week with Making Headline News, said of her condition, which is widely known as type 1 diabetes (or T1D).

To her credit, coupled with the unyielding support of her family and friends, the 17-year-old Sharp has made favorable strides since her unlikely diagnosis as a diabetic. It is, by all accounts, because of her glass-half-full approach and bend-but-don’t-break faith that Sharp has been named one of nine nominees for the Perseverance Award in the upcoming inaugural TAP Youth Awards in Jonesboro.

AIMING HIGH — All things considered, Sharp, a senior at Nettleton, doesn’t shy away from the notion that whether she wins the Perseverance Award or not, she’s still clinging to lofty aspirations of playing basketball at the collegiate level and doesn’t sense her diabetic diagnosis will reduce her effectiveness to thrive as a student athlete.

An event that was organized by Jonesboro-area public speaker and award-winning author Terrell Jenkins and is will take place on March 17, the TAP Youth Awards will acknowledge individuals in a variety of categories for their hard work and valiant contributions to the community.

A devoted student-athlete who is heavily involved in ministry at Church of the Living God Temple 98, where she is the youth announcer as well as a member of the youth choir and the adult praise team, Sharp said it would be extremely gratifying to come away with an award for which she steadfastly is living up to the name it bears — perseverance.

VOTE HERE FOR BRYANNA SHARP, Y’ALL: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1GbKX8Q_b1xCEW5a7PJu08hYlTrZ2M3bWddfKS5ZdK9g/edit?c=0&w=1

FINISH THE FIGHT — Sharp acknowledged that her primary focus is to finish out her final year of high school on a solid note and, of course, send up fervent prayers that she comes away with an award that would greatly jumpstart her own unique path.

“It would be wonderful to win this award, because not only (would) I be accepting an awesome award, but I’ll also be the first person in my family to receive an award like this. I have been in the path of my sisters for years, so an award (of this magnitude) would give me a chance to start my own path.”

All things considered, Sharp, a senior at Nettleton, doesn’t shy away from the notion that whether she wins the Perseverance Award or not, she’s still clinging to lofty aspirations of playing basketball at the collegiate level. Interestingly, she doesn’t sense her diabetic diagnosis will reduce her effectiveness to thrive as a student athlete.

“I really would love to play basketball on the next level,” Sharp, a three-year letterman, said. “I have been playing and watching my three sisters play during high school and college.  So now I’m near that moment to play at the next level. I’m just overly excited.

GOD AND HOOPS — A devoted student-athlete who is heavily involved in ministry at Church of the Living God Temple, where she is the youth announcer as well as a member of the youth choir and the adult praise team, Sharp said it would be extremely gratifying to come away with award for which she steadfastly is living up to the name it bears — perseverance.

“My dream is to play college basketball like my sisters. If the Lord says the same, I have always told my mother I would love to play for the WNBA.”

In meantime, though, Sharp acknowledged that her primary focus is to finish out her final year of high school on a solid note and, of course, send up fervent prayers that she comes away with an award that would greatly jumpstart her own unique path.

“My thanks to God would be even more sincere,” said Sharp, when asked what would being named the Perseverance Award winner do for her faith walk moving forward. “My faith with God is strong already, because He has brought me through my storms during times when I wanted to give up, because of my condition. So at this point, I know I can do nothing without Him, but can do everything with Him.”

For what it’s worth, the way her faith walk is set up, she is determined to see the hurdles about which she’s had to clear from God’s perspective.

Talk about pure perseverance.

 

 

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Andre Johnson is the Founder and Publisher of Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, call him at 901-690-6587 or send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or makingheadlinenews@gmail.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.