Derek Gray focused on future
BATON ROUGE —Most graduating high school seniors look forward to a summer filled with rest and relaxation.
Former Jeanerette standout and University of Louisiana signee Derek Gray looked forward to summer school and getting back in the gym.
Gray got a leg up on his future classmates and future opponents this summer as he enrolled in classes at UL. He also enrolled in some summer conditioning and weight lifting, which has helped him add a little more muscle to his already sturdy frame.
“I was ready to get back into the gym and weight room and start getting ready for next year,” Gray said. “I didn’t want to relax. I want to start the season in the best shape possible.”
Gray is taking a break from the rigors of summer school this week to take part in the LHSCA All-Star festivities.
“I’m just taking a break for a few days, then I get back to school on Friday,” Gray said. “I feel like it’s a privilege for me to be a part of the All-Star game and be selected as one of the top players in the state.”
Gray, who was named to the Class 2A All-State team, as well as being named the All-Acadiana MVP, is a member of the West squad, joining Acadiana area standouts Colby Bargeman of Northside, Codie Steele of Midland and DeAngelo Lee of St. Thomas More.
“I’m looking forward to playing with those guys,” Gray said. “I’ve played against Colby twice and DeAngelo once. I never played against Codie in high school. It’s going to be fun having them on my team now.”
Gray will also get an opportunity this week to square off against University standout Glenn “Big Baby” Davis. Davis and the Cubs beat Gray’s Tigers in the Class 2A state finals.
“It’s going to be fun playing against him again,” Gray said. “You always want to play against the best and everyone says he’s the best. I think it’ll be a little different this time, because we have a little size on our team.”
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Brady Aymond
baymond@theadvertiser.com
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