Note: The Eagles recently placed third in the NCHBC national championships. This is the highest finish in program history. Coach Will Avery and I have been so busy this season coaching and integrating new players into the program that we have not shared much about the great people and stories from this season. The "Meet the GAIS Eagles" series and other stories from nationals and the season are attempts to share the news!
The lone senior starter on this year's team, Kyle was the consistent leader every good team needs. After playing a limited role during his junior season, Kyle took advantage of every opportunity to put his team in position to be successful during the preseason, the long regular season, and the recent post season. Always eager to do what was needed to win, he scored, distributed the ball, defended, rebounded, and encouraged, depending on the team's most urgent need at the time.
The only Eagle to start every game was instrumental in GAIS's successful post season run, which began with a southeast sub regional homeschool championship and ended with a 3rd place finish in the 2014 NCHBC national championship tournament. Kyle played in all but 5 of the 160 minutes of national tournament play, averaging 14 ppg and consistently making the big plays his team most needed.
Kyle's leadership during the national tournament encapsulated his strengths of character and kindness, not to mention his high level of basketball skill. The Eagles played from behind during much of the first three rounds of tournament play. Kyle's spirit and composure never wavered. He encouraged teammates and led by example. When teams packed in a zone and allowed perimeter shots, he took and buried them. When teams applied pressure, he attacked the basket and finished at the rim and at the foul line. And when the defenses focused specifically on stopping him, he found his teammates for easy opportunities.
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| Brown encourages teammate Kat Johnson Friday at Missouri State |
Two moments from the tournament stand out most in my mind. During the Class 4A championship game, the Eagles fell behind by 10 points early in the third quarter. Facing a tight 2-3 zone, the Eagles had trouble scoring. Kyle turned the momentum back in his team's favor by taking and making two deep three pointers when things were most bleak. After getting the attention of the defense, he proceeded to attack the basket throughout the second half, making 8 of 10 free throws and feeding teammates for open layups. His biggest assist came when he found Daquarius Johnson for the go ahead layup with just under a minute remaining.
The second moment was more emotional. After losing to the eventual national champion Oklahoma City Storm in the national semifinals, Kyle's eyes were full of tears. I don't think the loss bothered him nearly as much as the thought that his time with his teammates was officially over. Of course, Kyle will have to try very hard to shake us Eagles. A person with his character is one no one will want to lose touch with.
An NCHBC All Southeast Region performer, Kyle wishes to continue his education at a community college or four year school next year. He also wants to play basketball. During the Spring, he is applying to colleges and looking for chances to show coaches in the region what he can do. If any get a chance to know what is in his heart, they will add that to what they see on the court and find a special young man.
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