Seniors Avery Jackson and Lyrik Brown have made their mark on Bridgeport High School’s basketball court, playing for the Bulldogs. They were recognized Jan. 31 during the varsity boys’ team’s match against Shadyside.
Jackson said his years on Bridgeport Exempted Village School District’s basketball court have been the best of his life. He was introduced to the sport by his brother, Colin.
“I kind of followed in his footsteps, and I really was inspired by him all my youth years,” he said.
“Probably my greatest memory was last year, we had a home playoff game here and I led the team with 20 points. That was probably my favorite memory I’ll cherish the rest of my life, that first home playoff win here.”
He also recalled playing in Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage Arena this past December against River.
“You can’t beat that. That was a great time.”
He will take the lessons and qualities he learned with him.
“A lot of discipline and a lot of respect has been a big thing. I’ve developed over time. My freshman year I was a little hot headed and this year it’s been a complete flip.”
Brown also got his start at a young age.
“Playing with all my teammates I’m playing with now. It’s sad to say it’s my last year, but it’s been a good run.”
He said the camaraderie stands out, and the team has accomplished much together.
“We got a lot of wins last year. We’re looking to finish out this year strong,” he said. “I’ve grown a lot as a player and as a person.”
Varsity Basketball Coach Donny Cash said he appreciated the pair, and both will be missed on the team.
“They both played all four years. They’re great kids. They work hard at it every day. They’re quality kids in the classroom and outside the classroom. They helped out the program tremendously. You can say that about every senior. In a small school, you need kids to come out and play and I’m glad Avery and Lyrik stuck it out for all four years.”
Cash said it was satisfying to observe their progress.
“You always see growth. When they come in as freshmen they’re young pups and now they’re seniors and everything. We just ask them to go out and play their part in each game here on out,” he said. “We’re just asking them to be coachable, which they are, and do everything we ask, which they do.”
