Big man smile has produced big time results, Leathers defines positive attitude

With all the pressure and expectations that come with being a varsity athlete, it isn’t hard to understand how every mistake or disappointment can easily be seen on a player’s face each time something doesn’t go their way. Justin Leathers, a senior center on the boys’ basketball team at Park Hill, can be seen as an exception.

As the Trojans look to finish their season with a conference championship and set their eyes on a district title, one thing has held constant throughout the season that can’t always be said about a lot of high school sports teams over the years, a good attitude.

“Justin's attitude, both in school and in basketball, is second to none,” head coach David Garrison said. “He has worked extremely hard to make himself better in both areas.”

Although the first thing you might notice about Leathers is his tall frame along with his average of 19 points and nine rebounds per game, the second you’ll notice is a positive floor presence and a constant smile. As a part of a group of three seniors on a young Trojan basketball team, Leathers has set the tone for a team that follows his example and shows they enjoy playing the game. No one ever said ‘nice’ wins basketball games and Leathers uses it as a way to get into opposing players’ heads.

“It’s kind of a psych thing,” Leathers said. “They see me smiling, but they’re so serious.”

But it isn’t just a way to bother his opponents, it’s an attitude he’s grown up with and made a priority since fourth grade when he started playing basketball.

“My Mom always told me to have fun with the game, and don’t take it too serious,” Leathers said. “I take it serious, but I make sure to have fun.”

It could be said him and his teammates have had some serious fun as they’ve compiled a 16-5 record overall and are currently undefeated in conference with a 7-0 mark. Leathers has been a part of a program that has steadily improved in recent years and hopes his class can start a new chapter.

“We haven’t had a strong tradition of winning, so my class wanted to start it by winning conference and districts,” Leathers said.

“All year, we look at the banner in the gym that says ’02 and we want to add another year to it,” Leathers added as he referred to the school’s basketball conference banner.

Leathers sees himself as a motivator on the team and tries to be an example to his teammates because he knows the effect that positive encouragement can create.

“I come out and set the tone. If I’m slacking, they might slack, so I want to come out with more energy,”

Garrison has noticed the difference the positive attitude Leathers brings to his squad and recognizes how much better it makes his team.

“His work ethic, enthusiasm, and leadership are contagious to everyone he is around,” Garrison said about Leathers. “He is a big part of the success that we are having this year, and I cannot be happier for him."

Like any tested leader, Leathers is always looking to the future and knows his team’s goals established at the beginning of the season will come down to some of the smallest things.

“All we have to do is finish, every play counts,” Leathers said simply.