FERRIDAY, La. – Ferriday High freshman LaKendrick Nix has been playing basketball since he was in the fourth grade.

Now he plans on taking it to summer school as he will participate in the American Athletic Union (AAU) basketball league of Monroe.

As a member of Ferriday Junior High’s basketball team, Nix was named Most Valuable Player in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades, something very few players have ever accomplished.

Nix, 14, of Clayton, played and started on the junior varsity and varsity teams as a freshman point guard at Ferriday High last season.

&uot;I plan on playing the same position on the AAU team,&uot; he said.

Nix will play with a team known as the &uot;Dream Team,&uot; which will be coached by Eldon Pipes and Glen Jackson.

Nix said it feels great to be playing for and to be a member of such a team.

&uot;It’s an honor to represent Ferriday High School and to play for my city.&uot;

Nix said playing in the AAU spring and summer league will help his game tremendously.

&uot;It will improve me. I will learn a lot from the other players that I will be playing with.&uot;

As for what he has learned playing basketball at Ferriday High, Nix has learned that it takes a team effort.

Nix said he still needs to work on his shooting game.

&uot;If I keep working on it, I’ll have it down pat.&uot;

Nix’s strengths are dribbling, passing and defense.

His hobbies include going to church, hanging out with his friends and, not surprisingly, watching basketball games. His favorite subject is pre-algebra.

Nix said he will be the gym working on his game as well as lifting weights this summer to improve his game.

Nix also said that he will have to pick up his game a lot next year.

&uot;We’re losing three seniors, so there a going to be some holes to fill,&uot; Nix said.

As for the 2000-2001 season, Nix expects &uot;to have a great season for Ferriday. Hopefully, we can go to and win State.&uot;