E-B-F Basketball Player Makes His Mark At The Big Dance
Branson, Mo – Making your way from the hard-court gym of Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont to the biggest show for men’s basketball in the NAIA Division II has been something Eddyville native Logan Alexander has experienced.
Logan Alexander is at his second national tournament, but the previous year he never made it to the floor. This year has been different, as his talents have grown further.
This year, the sophomore has proven himself on the court. Even though this was his second trip, it was the first time he stepped out on the floor to play his first minutes. “I didn’t feel as nervous as I feel like I would have… just being down here last year.” Alexander says he feels much more comfortable this time around.
Alexander had attended some of the William Penn basketball camps, and after a few conversations with Coach John Henry, Alexander decided that Penn was where he wanted to be. “I like to be at home,” said Alexander.
“I like to be at home to watch my brothers and sisters,” Alexander said of his choice in William Penn.
There are many different experiences young graduates are looking for from college, but Alexander says that, “If you [or someone you know] wants to be a part of a good program, I’d definitely tell them to look into Penn.”
“If they want to come here, they’re going to have to work hard and be ready to work hard for Henry.”
Coach Henry has become known for helping to develop great teams that are more of a family in nature. As with last years team, this year and the team has been the definition of never quit, and Alexander said that, “He just loves us all and he keeps us all pushing hard.”
“We know that if we do what he wants us to, he’ll give us respect too,” said Alexander. “He loves everybody and he’s so emotional about everything, it makes it more exciting to play for him.”
During the opening game against Dordt, Alexander hit some long range shots, something he’s not known for. Senior Blake Walker kicked out a pass to Alexander, who was positioned beyond the 3 point line. “I felt comfortable to go ahead and let it go,” Alexander remembered. That was the first of his two on the night.
As of Friday night, William Penn had defeated Dordt and then St. Thomas, to move onto the Elite 8. An accomplishment no one would have expected from a team that started the season 0-4. Beyond the bumpy start, the loss of teammates and staff during the season has created turmoil to a team, that would have left lesser teams in ashes.
Alexander says he knows there could have been some people that gave up on the team early in the season. “Everybody’s going to talk a little bit,” Alexander said. “Now people are starting to think this is something special again.”
But from those ashes rose a team that was stronger, playing as one. “The team now has really come together and is playing well together now,” Alexander said.
