Sports
Jace Bonds: The Complete Player
For his impressive abilities on the basketball court and his overall character, Jace Bonds is Oconee's Star Athlete of the Week.
Basketball coaches at the highest levels of competition often boast about finding a “complete player.”
A rarity, this player has the ability to produce on offense and is just as capable of turning around and making big plays on defense, all while exhibiting good character and being a leader for their teammates.
What’s even more unheard of is finding a young athlete who already encompasses these characteristics and has an innate ability to shine.
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Jace Bonds, an 11-year-old 5th grader at , is already considered to be one of these quality athletes. A leader on his team with quickness unusual for his age, Jace has a natural skill for taking it to the basket as an offensive threat.
“At this age, it is rare to find someone that can make the moves he can and finish plays at the rim,” Adam Lewites, Jace’s coach, said.
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Jace's coach and teammates also rely on him to defend the fastest players on the opposing team with the confidence that he will create a turnover.
Leading his team in points and steals earned Jace a position in the Premier League All-Star game. The Premier League prepares boys in grades three through seven for middle school and high school competition.
During the All-Star game, Jace impressed many spectators as he hit a 3-pointer and two 2-pointers within a minute and a half. Such a feat takes heart and determination, qualities that many coaches will say cannot be taught.
As a multifaceted player, Jace is also the ideal teammate. One of his greatest contributions is his encouragement toward his teammates to help them succeed and excel at the game.
Being a team player, Jace sees the floor well and “is willing to make an extra pass to an open teammate so they can get a great shot as opposed to a good shot,” Lewites said.
This instinctive ability to anticipate where his teammates are going to be and connect the play for a shot that will guarantee a basket is what makes a well-rounded player.
Notably, Jace is also a standout football player who plays running back and linebacker for the Oconee County team. With such impressive ability and potential at a young age, Jace has a wide-open future and many coaches will be itching for the opportunity to coach such a complete, star athlete.