This is the second of a two-part series on Tremont Waters, a 14-year-old basketball star at Greens Farm Academy. You can read Part 1 here.
WESTPORT, Conn. Head coach Doug Scott saw the potential in Tremont Waters as a young man and as a basketball player. Tremont transferred to Greens Farms Academy in the second semester of last school year as a sixth-grader. But little did the two know that Tremont would be ready for the varsity team come basketball season.
Taking a chance on Tremont has paid off: He has averaged more than 10 points a game coming off the bench as the Dragons backup point guard, good for third on the squad. Tremont is also second on the team in assists.
Any coach just wants to win. When you go to practice you see whos helping you, and guess what hes helping us, Scott said. Our league allows it, so as long as he keeps his grades up, well keep using him.
Tremonts father, Ed Waters, said he was leery of recruiters who were interested solely in his sons basketball talents. But he knew Greens Farms was the right place after he met the head coach.
Doug Scott is one of the few people weve met who is focused on helping Tremont become a young man, not just a basketball player, Ed Waters said. It turned out to be a really great move for Tremont. Hes doing much better in school academically. His attitude is a lot better at home. Hes a better person already.
The opportunities for his son have let Ed and his wife breathe a sigh of relief. He knows that through hard work, doors will open for Tremont.
It means the world as a parent. For things to come so early, it makes us diligent and it shows Tremont that its possible, Ed Waters said. Its not just Biblical; its not just a belief. Its actual, its factual and he can see it. Hes in an environment now thats conducive to his being successful.
Tremont is still adjusting to his new surroundings and the attention he gets. He might be a prodigy on the court, but hes a shy, growing teenager everywhere else.
I was interested to come here and really happy when I came here, Tremont said. Its been hard work, but everyone says Hi, Tremont! Hi, Tremont in the hallways. Its almost like Im famous.
Because Greens Farms took a chance on a young teen from a tough neighborhood, Tremont says he has an opportunity he once thought nearly unattainable. Ill get to go to college.
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