Terry Parker High School- It’s been four straight Eastern Division Championships for the Landmark Boys Basketball team. Yet going into to tonight’s Duval County Middle School Championship game against Twin Lakes, the Seahawks were 0-2 in consecutive trips to the title game. Last year, they came up just short to Ribault, and the year before they fell to Kirby Smith. Not this year however, as the Seahawks soared to the summit defeating Twin Lakes 35-30 to win their first county championship.
The MVP of the game and one of the leaders this year for the Seahawks was Center Marvin Christie. He dominated down low, but also showed great versatility outside, knocking down the outside shot. The Seahawks also dominated on defense. Fellow 8th graders Jayden Roberts and Caleb Jang put the clamps down against opponents. It’s one of the main reasons they only suffered one loss on the season going 13-1.
The biggest reason for the team’s success this year is undoubtedly Head Coach Maurice Crowley. Originally from Saginaw Michigan, Coach Crowley played collegiate basketball at the University of North Alabama. Having to travel the junior college route, Crowley learned first hand how important academics was to athletic success. So when the opportunity came to get into education he jumped at the chance.
“I’m grateful for the chance I was given to coach at Landmark”, said Crowley. “I owe so much to Coach Foy”. Referring to Christopher Foye who is currently the Head Football Coach at Jackson High School. Foye mentored Crowley in his early days at Landmark, and now Crowely mentors the student athletes he coaches. It’s a testament to his hard work and dedication which resonates with his team. The 8th graders on the team currently were in 6th grade when they first tasted defeat in the county championship. Yet their hard work and dedication led them back to the summit to soar to a championship.
