Face of the game – Jaylen Rhone

He runs up the court, maintaining perfect control of the ball. He’s always thinking, calculating the best shot before it happens and anticipating the opposing team’s strategies. To junior Jaylen Rhone, basketball is more than a game; it is a passion.

Rhone began playing basketball when he was very young.

“I started playing when I was in the second grade,” Rhone said. “It was a sport that I admired. I liked the competition and it’s a really fun game once you learn how to play it.”

Under his uncle’s coaching and support, he developed his skills for the sport.

“First, I started practicing with [him] every summer,” Rhone said. “We’d go down to Fayetteville. When I turned 12, thats when I started playing AAU basketball.”

Now, Rhone plays shooting guard and point guard for Texas High.

“This is my second year on Varsity,” Rhone said. “I love playing with my teammates. We have a good time together.”

His favorite part of playing basketball is experiencing the support his team receives from fellow students.

“I love playing at home,” Rhone said. “Student Council and the student section always supports us, so it’s very fun.”

Although the season is not yet finished, Rhone believes the Tigers will do well in post-season games.

“We have a lot of stuff to work on,” Rhone said. “But we’re planning on going far in the playoffs.”