Sports Editor
TJ Evans already has one Tri-9 Conference MVP under his belt, and with hard work and perseverance he hopes to have two more by the end of his high school career. The 6’1” junior guard, who has averaged 17.9 points per game this season, tallied his 1,000th point in his high school career Tuesday against Holly Springs.
Evans said the biggest loss of the season was against Athens Drive on Friday, February 1. “It really brought us down,” he stated. “It showed us that no matter who you play you have to play every quarter.”
Evans has been playing ever since he can remember, with his dad coaching him up until eighth grade. “My dad is definitely my biggest critic,” he said, “but he knows how to make me better.” Although he receives constructive criticism from his dad, his entire family is very excited about his future. Evans has received interest so far from Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth, and East Carolina. But Evans said that Ohio State is his desired destination. “I like their coach and the offense they run,” he said. “I grew up watching them and my dad is from there so all of his family is there.” He plans to send in his highlight tapes to the Buckeyes, as well as other big name schools, such as UNC, at the end of this season.
Evans has been playing ever since he can remember, with his dad coaching him up until eighth grade. “My dad is definitely my biggest critic,” he said, “but he knows how to make me better.” Although he receives constructive criticism from his dad, his entire family is very excited about his future. Evans has received interest so far from Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth, and East Carolina. But Evans said that Ohio State is his desired destination. “I like their coach and the offense they run,” he said. “I grew up watching them and my dad is from there so all of his family is there.” He plans to send in his highlight tapes to the Buckeyes, as well as other big name schools, such as UNC, at the end of this season.
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| Evans holding Tri-9 Conference MVP Award |
Evans’ favorite player is Monta Ellis of the Milwaukee Bucks and his favorite team is the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he’s originally from. “I don’t feel like it’s too much of a stretch to say I might get drafted,” Evans mentioned, “I just need to keep a level head.”
Not only does Evans like basketball, but he also enjoys collecting sneakers. “I have about 11 pairs of shoes,” he mentioned. His favorite pair on the court is the Air Jordan Chicago 10s and off the court, the ever-so sleek, Air Jordan Bordeux 7s.
Evans hopes to win a state championship by the end of his high school career. After last season’s loss in the third round of the playoffs against Hoke County, it may have provided more of a drive to get there this season. “If we’re going to win the championship this year, it’s going to take accountability and believing in one another.”
