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In 1997, Troy Moore was named a McDonald’s All-American nominee following his senior season. Three times he was named to The Democrat’s All-Metro team, including two first team nominations.

Moore brought ferocity to NHS court

By Patrick Ochs (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Monday, July 21, 2008

NATCHEZ — Forget about all the accolades, the first team All-Metros, the McDonald’s All-American nomination and the career-highs. The first memory that came to Troy Moore’s mind when asked of his high school days at Natchez High was a simple put-back on a missed free throw.

“I remember when we were playing Jackson-Lanier,” Moore said with pride. “They were ranked No. 1 in the state and they came to our gym.”

Down a point late in the game, the Bulldogs drove the length of the court and missed on a 3-pointer.

One of Moore’s teammates was fouled and was sent to the free-throw line.

The ensuing shot missed, but Moore — executing a set play — tipped the ball back in to win the game.

“I was just determined to get the rebound and win the game,” Moore said.

In essence, that play described Moore, according to Natchez High coach Mike Martin.

“He was a great competitor, one of the greatest competitors I’ve coached,” Martin said. “He was very consistent, a player every coach likes to have. He practiced as hard as he played.”

Martin described the 6-foot-7 forward/center as a player that was strong, quick and could run the floor.

“(Moore) never played with any type of fear, was reckless with his rebounding. That’s what I love about him.”

Martin said Moore was the ultimate competitor, recalling a tournament trip to Fayetteville, Ark.

During the first game of the tournament Moore had sprained his ankle, but he was determined he wouldn’t let an injury keep him off the court.

“He wasn’t going to travel all that way to sit,” Martin said.

Following a “it’s his call” diagnosis from a team trainer, Martin told Moore if he could run up to the top of the steps at Bud Walton Arena he could play — “And off he went,” Martin said.

Following a productive sophomore year in ’95 that saw Moore named a second team All-Metro player, things began to get interesting for him on the hardwood.

His junior year he did enough — 13.5 points per game, eight rebounds per game and 34 blocked shots — to be named a first team All-Metro player.

His senior year put him on the map, however.

Over the course of the season Moore averaged 17 points per game and 10.5 rebounds per game and was not only a first team All-Metro selection, but he was also a McDonald’s All-American nominee.

“It was real nice to know just because you’re from a small town, it doesn’t mean anything,” Moore said. “I was just happy to be noticed.”

Although Moore was a competitor on the court, he’ll admit he could have done better in the classroom.

“I wish I could do it all over again,” Moore said. “If my grades would have allowed me, I think I would have gone straight to division one.”

As a result of grades and a low ACT score, upon graduation in 1997 Moore opted to go to Connors State College in Oklahoma.

“I was happy going to Connors, but I wish I would have stuck with it (in the classroom),” Moore said. “I gave up on it too early. I wish I had a better work ethic.”

While at Connors, not only did his team climb as high as No. 3 in rankings, but Moore saw himself grow and mature as a person as well.

“Basketball was all you could do up there because it’s in the middle of nowhere,” Moore said. “It made you a man; made you grow up fast.

“You were on your own and had to fend for yourself. Mom was hundreds of miles away. You had to be on time for everything — no excuses —and it made you grow up and have responsibility for yourself.”

Following his sophomore year at CSC, Moore transferred to the University of Arkansas-Little Rock, and then again to Lincoln University in Missouri before hanging up his sneakers for good.

Today, Moore is a Cable One field technician in Natchez. He’s married with a 1-year-old son named Kobyn LeTroy Moore and a goal to one day become a basketball coach.

“I just want to have time to help out with kids,” Moore said.

He is not currently enrolled in classes, but Moore said he plans to finish his degree in business administration by taking night classes and hopes to then possibly get into coaching.

Whether he decides to become a coach or not, “The Competitor” will leave a positive mark on Natchez’s community.

“I wish he was in our gym more often,” Martin said. “So his good work habits would hopefully rub off (on current Natchez High basketball players).”