Mountain Echo

Issue date: 11/11/09 Section: Sports

Goode was a first-team All NEC selection after averaging 14.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.1 asists. and 1.8 steals in the 2008-2009 season

For high school student athletes who will have the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level, the decision lingers as the early signing date quickly approaches. For senior basketball guard Jeremy Goode, this is all a distant memory.

With 1,283 points, 471 assists, NEC All-Rookie honors, First Team All-NEC and First Team All-District, Goode laces up his high-tops for his final season as a Mountaineer.

He enters the season as the league's leading active scorer and distributor, and ranks 21st on the league's all-time assist chart. Goode's numerous accolades highlight just a few of the accomplishments, but the story behind his successes occurred before he ever set foot on the rural Emmitsburg campus.

Goode knew he was interested in playing college athletics since the age of five, yet he was torn between football and basketball.

"Watching sports was always a huge deal in my house simply because both my parents played sports," Goode said. "So I was raised in a competitive atmosphere."

Raised in Charlotte, N.C., Goode immersed himself in sport rivalries. One of the biggest rivalries in the country was in Goode's backyard.

"[North] Carolina and Duke was always a huge rivalry in my area and I went to the ACC tournament every year," said Goode. "I loved the competitive environment and the tournament showcased some of the best games I have ever seen."

As basketball began taking a precedent in Goode's life, he quickly started making a name for himself in the Charlotte area.

"I remember I got my first recruiting letter as a rising ninth grader from the University of Kentucky. It was my first day of high school and my basketball coach handed me the letter from Coach [Tubby] Smith. I was blown away and still have it to this day."

The letter informed Goode that Smith had enjoyed watching him play over the past summer and wished him luck in the upcoming seasons.

Throughout high school, Goode continued to excel, averaging 27 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for Providence Day High School. When school was not in session, Goode devoted his summers to playing AAU ball for the Charlotte Aces and Charlotte Star club teams which attended recruiting tournaments and showcases all over the nation. As Goode continued to excel on the court, his mailbox continued to fill with inquiries from more colleges. By the time Goode reached his senior status in high school, he knew a huge decision lay before him.

Continued...

Page 1 of 3 next >

Article Tools