COLUMN: Foxworth steps up for Swamp Foxes

Last summer I wrote a column previewing the arrival of a kid that many knew would be special. That young man is Marion high school junior guard Keyonta Foxworth. After an almost invisible first half of the season the young man got into a game after DJ Kelly was hurt against Lee Central a couple of weeks ago and as they say, the rest could be history.

The first time or two I saw him in uniform this year was anything but impressive. He was nursing a football injury, was not in basketball shape and just looked totally out of sync. For his efforts the youngster found himself buried deeper and deeper on the bench. His minutes seemed to decrease game after game. I felt bad for him and I can imagine what was going through his mind. I doubt if he ever lost confidence in his ability because, from talking to him, I know he is a kid that knows he can play this game. I am sure that he must have been taken aback somewhat just the same though. I pulled him aside after one of his games and I just told him to be ready, the day is coming when everybody will know what many of us knew already. He smiled and said yes sir.

Some time went by and I had not seen him on the floor at all. A couple a weeks ago I was at the Lee Central game and left early to go watch Mullins since Marion was having their way with the visitors that night. Later on that night I got a call saying how Kelly had the misfortune of getting hurt in the game and Foxworth came in to play in his absence. That game he had 14 points and something like 8 assists. So I kicked myself for that one but I knew I would get another chance to see him. I got home from work and eventually convinced myself that I would not see any games this particular night. Marion was hosting Loris. I got ready for bed and watched a little TV. I looked at the clock and it was about time for the boy’s game to start and I thought about seeing him play and got dressed and headed to the game. I would not have to kick myself this time because I got to see what I have been waiting to see. The young man was brilliant folks. He ran the team with precision and purpose.

Let’s take a look at what he brings to the table. First and foremost he is an excellent ball handler. He is a great distributor of the basketball and does what every point guard needs to be about and that is getting his team involved. His passing abilities are such that his teammates will have to get to understand as time goes on because right now he is way above the curve. He has great court vision, court awareness, and a certain amount of moxie as he seems to be settling in as a floor leader. He made a couple of passes in the game that were pure natural talent. The big men are going to love this boy and they better stay awake when the ball is in his hands because he will find you. He has the ability to shoot the jump shot, go to the basket and finish with authority and, even though he is not very tall, he’s a powerful leaper who will wow the crowd with spectacular dunks. Marion high school is very fortunate because Foxworth has arrived. Even though he is not as good now as he will be in a week a month or even a year, before he is done playing basketball around here he will be talked about as one to remember. For sure he has only just begun.

Marion reserve center Devontay Emmanuel  has been getting more minutes as of late and has looked very good. He is a quantity that only needs floor time to excel. I got my first glimpse of another youngster who got in the game against Loris. I think he got the attention of everyone in the crowd when he took a pass on the left side and went up and up and up until he was practically staring eye level with the rim. He lost the ball but he was headed for something amazing and only his separation from the ball at the last instance prevented it. He is sophomoreTerry Wiggins. He along with Edward Nelson shows the depth that Marion has. Nelson can dial it up from deep and has shown that touch in his limited minutes. Michael Outlaw has been steady all season and has played with poise and smarts. He is not yet the player he will be. I saw him dominate an AAU game two years ago. He has great range, can handle the ball and can go inside and rebound as well.

--Michael Jenkins is a 17-year sports columnist and correspondent for the Star & Enterprise