NATCHEZ — Adams County Christian School senior basketball player Christian Price is constantly around to offer a joke, but he never thought it would interfere with his playing time.

During his athletic career at ACCS, Price wasn’t always a go-to player and had to put the laughs aside to earn his spot as a starter on the team.

“He didn’t get too many minutes last year (as a junior),” ACCS coach Richy Spears said. “He was a clown, and he wasn’t focused.     “Over the summer, I saw a change, and when he was in here doing workouts, he really worked out. He was determined that he was going to be on the basketball court this year, because he was not happy with the way last year went.”

And that’s just what Price did.

Since then, Price has lost fat, gained muscle and improved his overall skills as a basketball player, leading the Rebels to a 9-7 record so far this season. Although he has exposed his serious side to get him to where he is, Price hasn’t let go of his brighter spirit.

“I always mess around and get in trouble a lot, but it doesn’t stop me because I just like to have fun,” he said. “There’s no point in doing it if you’re not going to have fun.”

Spears said Price’s determination to become a trustworthy player not only came from being disappointed with last season, but also recognizing this would be his senior year. As one of only two seniors on the team, he taken on a leadership role more than ever.

“Just his will and determination is enough for me,” Spears said. “His work ethic is something that hopefully other ones see and want to do too.”

Price has an additional point to prove since he doesn’t play football like many of his teammates do. He hopes that younger athletes can understand that it is important to focus on what they enjoy and not what everyone else wants them to accomplish.

“I really just didn’t like football, and I always played basketball a little bit,” he said. “I wanted to play (on the team), and now the younger kids look at me and they want to work out a little more so they get to play too.”

Since receiving those hard-earned minutes, Price added that his favorite part of basketball has been playing for Coach Spears.

“A lot of people are scared to play for him, but I think it’s fun,” Price said. “He’s always telling me what to do, and directing me. He taught me discipline. I usually don’t listen to anybody, but he’s like the only person I listen to.”
“Now, me and him like to mess around with each other,” Spears said. “I might get on him more than I get on anybody, but he knows that I do care about him and want what’s best for him.”