At six foot four and two hundred and thirty-five pounds Sebastian River High School basketball big man Jarez Parks is just beginning to develop. Parks has been playing basketball since he was three years old and was always the biggest player on the floor. Last season he started for the Shark varsity team as a freshman and had to adjust to playing with older and bigger players.
“I was nervous and excited at the same time,” Parks said. “I was excited to make the varsity team and to start but I was nervous because I didn’t want to make mistakes. I knew that I would be held to a higher standard. It was a great experience I learned a lot from my older teammates. ”
Jarez’s brother Wayne also plays for the varsity team and that helped him with the transition from middle school to varsity. “My brother and I have been playing together for a long time and it helped me to be more comfortable, Parks said. “He’s always been there for me when I needed help and knowing that he is there with me helped a lot mentally and physically.”
Last season as a 9th grader Parks quietly recorded several double-double performances against bigger more experienced players and has gained the confidence needed to be a leader of his team this season. “I am trying to be more vocal – as vocal as I can,” Parks said. “I know we have our juniors and our seniors that are supposed to be our leaders but I know I can be a big factor. I also don’t want to override anybody [but] I want to help as much as I can. We all have a strong will to win and I love my teammates.”
