“It’s wonderful,” Brown said. “It’s one of the best seasons I’ve ever had in basketball. It’s been a great experience.”
Brown was named the co-MVP of the All-Pensacola Classic that the Makos hosted earlier this month. That’s one of several accolades Brown has reeled in this season for Lighthouse, which entered the third week of February with a 21-3 record. He’s averaging 28.9 points and 4.6 assists per game.
“My mom is like, ‘you win everything,’” Brown said with a laugh. “It’s been amazing but I can’t take any of it for granted. You have to take advantage of opportunities when you get them.”
Brown is in his third year of college hoops with Lighthouse Christian College and said he’s come a long way over the last three years, his game taking shape and reaching new heights.
“I’m stronger and quicker but also more mature. I see the game different now,” Brown said.
Brown points to examples. Yes, he loves to shoot from beyond the arc, but he’s hardly one dimensional.
“I don’t just rely on the 3-ball,” Brown said. “I’m trying to get to the foul line more and learning more about when to shoot and not to shoot. I pick my spots on the court.”
Brown battled an ankle injury last season but put in work in the offseason to strengthen that. He said came into this year feeling good.
“I got a lot stronger and even started doing yoga. I worked a lot on my body. That was the main thing and everything went smooth coming into the new season,” Brown said.
One of the best things for Brown is that he’s getting to play college hoops close to home. He played his high school ball at Lighthouse Private Christian Academy and initially left home to play collegiately.
He signed with Central State out of high school but the pandemic threw a wrench into those plans. He then spent a year at Coastal Georgia but redshirted.
“It’s the best feeling. “I like being in the same place where I played in high school, It’s like being a hometown hero,” Brown said.
And he loves that he continues to excel as a hooper.
“I love being able to perform and play at a high level still,” Brown said.
As the regular season winds down, Brown can’t help but think about how last season ended. Lighthouse was beaten by three, 58-55, by back-to-back champion Apprentice School in the New South Atlantic Conference Tournament.
Brown, the NSAC Player of the Year, was held to just 11 points that day and is driven to make up for that. The bonus is that this year’s tourney is in Milton and will be hosted by Lighthouse. It tips off Feb. 27 and runs through March 2.
“I think about (last year’s loss) every day,” Brown said. “We were so close. It left a bad feeling in me.”
But it also motivated him.
“We just have to focus and lock in,” Brown said. “Our goal is to bring a conference championship here. We want to win it and go to nationals, and win it all there, too.”
This article is in front of the paywall courtesy of Joanna Johannes. Please subscribe for more articles about Lighthouse family of schools. Click HERE to subscribe!