by Kenzie Park-Hubb
Jarace Walker, an 8th grade basketball player from Susquehannock, is not like most players of his age. He is in the Top 10 nationally ranked players for his age group.
At 6 foot 5 inches, he is the tallest player on his team. Walker also has said that he has the biggest feet on the team, a size sixteen shoe. Walker has even been playing on the school’s freshman team.
Coach Tom Triggs, York Suburban’s Varsity Basketball Coach, was asked about Walker’s playing abilities and stated that, “He seems far beyond his age.”
When asked about his role towards younger players, Coach Corey Neiderer, York Suburban’s freshman coach, responded, “I think he has in the sense they all want to talk about him and see how he does. I don’t know about any younger players or his involvement in the community but his peers enjoy talking about him.” He went on to describe him, Neiderer stated, “Jarace is a very good player. He is unselfish and gets his teammates involved.” Walker’s future plans include going to school for basketball, joining the NBA, etc.
Coach Neiderer confirmed, “I have heard he may leave but I honestly do not know if there is any truth to that. He is a terrific player and as a player he deserves to play at the best level he can whether that be local or elsewhere.”
The York basketball community has been very responsive towards Walker’s career and have shown him a gracious amount of support towards his athletic abilities.
Neiderer was asked how he thinks the community will react to the news he said, “I am sure some will not like it but Jarace needs to do what’s best for him and his future. Those who want to follow his career will be able to with our technology these days.” This is the way many people have heard about his success and are curious as to what is awaiting him.
His father, Horace Walker, told York Daily Record, “He’s always smiling and get a lot more joy out of playing basketball when he plays at Susquehannock.” Coach Triggs even stated, “His parents are also very supportive of him and his sister.” With his supportive parents, Jarace Walker will only gain even more success than he already has.