Men's Basketball: Carter understands and thrives in role as HCC's point guard

“We take turns on the possessions,” Carter said of his work with Thomas. “When it comes to taking the ball to the bucket, I give it over to Donte.

“We have just put in a set where we weave the ball up front to get the guys moving and passing the ball. I like it because there were times that we just stood around and watched.”


When Carter scores, he’s sneaky about it. During the March 3 Region XX final against Baltimore, the Panthers ignored him when he had the ball. Carter used that as an invitation to charge the lane and go for a dunk.

“I figured out that I don’t have to force things,” he said.

Carter’s “supporting cast” style adds a level of comfort to the Hawks as they approach the national tournament.

“We’re excited,” Carter said. “We know what to expect, but we don’t know how the games will play out. I look to be the leader on the court — and extension of the coach. If we stay settled down, we can start hoopin’.”

For Carter, the national tournament has many implications.

“My goal is for all of us to live in the moment,” Carter said. “But I know that a lot of people will be out there and there will be a lot of coaches looking at us. I want a scholarship so I can go somewhere and finish my education.”

And that one defining moment.

“If we don’t go out there and win it all, this season will have been wasted,” he said. “We have had so many things happen to this team ... it’s been a hectic year. No one expected us to be here. This is our destiny.”

That isn’t a normal view ... but Jerel Carter is anything but normal.