NATCHEZ — Trevon Chatman said it was the best year of his basketball career — and the numbers back him up.

The Natchez High senior averaged 22 points, five rebounds and four assists per game for the Bulldogs this past season, making him an easy selection for The Natchez Democrat’s 2010-11 All-Metro boys player of the year.

“I’m thankful to God,” Chatman said. “I want to put him first in everything, and I worked hard this year.”

NHS finished its year 10-15, losing its last five games of the season. Even with the disappointing record, Chatman said there were some positives to take away from it.

“Considering how small we were, and that we weren’t used to playing with each other as much as other teams were, we did pretty well,” Chatman said.

“It could’ve been better, we just fell a little bit there at the end. I think if we did it all over again, it would’ve been something different.”

Chatman said he could see the growth in himself as a basketball player from the time he was a freshman to when he was a senior.

“My 10th-grade year, I’d get ripped every time I touched the ball,” Chatman said. “I wasn’t as good as I was in my 11th-grade year. I got to play with some experienced boys that year, and I think that’s what allowed me to be how I was this year.”

Sharing the floor with four seniors during his junior season made feel intimidated, Chatman said.

“I was nervous to mess up last year,” Chatman said. “This year, it was me, Javon (Washington), Rashaun Bates and Jonathan Griffin, and it took all the nerves away.”

Which was important, considering that Natchez High’s offense and defense basically went through Chatman.

“I couldn’t afford to be nervous,” Chatman said.

Chatman credited Natchez High basketball coach Mike Martin for helping him improve as a player during his high school career.

“His work ethic got me better, working hard and coming in the gym,” Chatman said.

“He doesn’t give up on any players. He’s one of those coaches you’ll never forget.”

Chatman’s mother and grandmother are also big influences on him, Chatman said.

“She’s one of the best moms you can have,” he said. “She’s very supportive, both her and Grandma. I play for them.”

And it isn’t just basketball Chatman’s playing. He also played football, and is splitting time between track and baseball this spring.

“I’m just trying to be a good role model for everyone else, for the little ones watching me,” Chatman said.

“There isn’t one sport that’s my favorite — all of them are. If I had a chance to go pro in any one, I’ll take whichever one they give me.”