Tecumseh’s Aveon Stokes
For Tecumseh senior basketball player Aveon Stokes, the game has always been a big part of his life. Growing up surrounded by the sport, he says his early motivation came from a familiar place close to him.
“I grew up around it and always wanted to be better than my dad,” he said. “My dad motivates me not only to be the best basketball player, but also the best person I can be.”
Playing both point guard and shooting guard, he enjoys the freedom of being anywhere he’s needed on the court.
“I like to find the open man and shoot more shots,” he said.
His ability to both lead and score has made him a key piece of his team’s success. One of his favorite memories on the court came last season in the first game against Tuttle, when he scored an amazing 33 points in just three quarters.
“That one definitely stands out,” he said.
When the pressure’s on, he stays focused.
“I rely on all of the hard work that I’ve put into the gym and act like it’s just another play in the game,” he explained.
That calm mindset has helped him handle big moments with confidence. His biggest motivator has always been his dad, who pushes him to be better at anything he does.
Playing the sport with his friends is one of the best parts of basketball. They’re people he’s grown up with, both on and off the court. It makes it that much more meaningful. “It just makes it that much more fun,” he said.
Balancing school and basketball aren’t always easy, but his mom keeps him focused. “My mom doesn’t let my grades slip,” he said. “I always do my work first, then I can train or play later that night.”
As for goals this season, he’s set on two big ones: reaching 1,000 career points and helping his team make it to the state tournament. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue his basketball journey in college while studying to become a physical therapist.
His advice to younger players is quick and to the point: “Put in the work, and you’ll start to see the results.”
