By Raleigh Hightower
The three point shot is one of the most impressive feats in athletics. The three point shot is taken from 19.75 feet away from the goal, and a college athlete only hits 32.9 percent of these shots. Chris Paul, an NBA player who made 38 million dollars in 2019, has scored 97 three pointers over the course of 62 games, while our very own Jay Hardison has scored 96 in only 31 games. Jay Hardison is one of Logan County’s premier athletes. While Jay doesn’t receive the same amount of attention that other players like Jose Nazario and Anthony ¨Rooster” Woodard, Jay has stats that are just as impressive. Jay has scored 288 points off of three point shots alone. Jay also has 66 points off of two point field goals, as well as 85 rebounds. Jay’s athletic achievement is not the only thing that makes him a stand out player. Mr. Bailey, Jay’s senior English teacher, believes that “Jay is one of the kindest people I have ever known. In addition to being an excellent student. His graciousness with others is something that we should all emulate.” Jay’s character and well roundedness is what truly makes him one of LCHS’s top athletes.
Jay Hardison hits a three against rival Russellville.
LCHS also hosts the queen of the three point shot, Addie White. Addie White has scored 75 three point field goals this season, as well as 25 two point field goals. In total, Addie has scored 300 points this season. Like Jay, Addie is also an excellent, well rounded student athlete who participates in FBLA, BETA, and is a senior editor for LCHS’s yearbook team. Addie has been on the basketball team all four years of high school, and has shown fierce loyalty to LCHS through her involvement in clubs, incredible academic achievement, and athletic ability. Addie has also contributed a great deal to this school through her leadership. As the president of FBLA, a leader in team stats, and a senior yearbook editor, Addie exemplifies student leadership. Again, Mr. Bailey comments on Addie’s qualities by saying, “Addie’s character is truly good and inspiring, having been present for people when they needed her most. While friendly, she never compromises her character, but instead, and without trying, is an inspiration to those who watch the excellent way in which she lives.”
Addie White hits one of her threes against Greenwood.
The two individuals characterize what it means to be a student athlete. A student athlete should be someone who excels in the classroom, serves as a role model for other students, and encourages students to succeed. There are no two individuals that encourage this behavior more than Jay and Addie. A student athlete should also be dedicated to their school and team during times of triumph, defeat, and hardship. Jay and Addie have both shown deep, unbridled loyalty to this school during triumph and defeat. Jay and Addie truly embody what it means to be a successful and prosperous student, and for this reason, they deserve every bit of praise bestowed upon them as we look forward the lives they lead.