(PHOTOS BY RICH HARDING / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
By: Nate Calvin
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
PIONEER – After missing three games with an injury, Joey Burt made his return to the North Central lineup something special.
With the final seconds ticking away in their BBC contest with Montpelier, the Eagle senior buried a three-pointer at the final horn to give him 1,000 career points.
Burt becomes the 15th player in school history on the boys side to reach the mark. Despite reaching the milestone, Burt’s focus is on his team.
“As appreciative as I am of this achievement, nothing compares to cutting nets and hanging banners with my teammates”, commented Burt.
Burt stated the important role that his family has played in his career. “My family (Kati-mother; Ryan-father; and sisters Anna and Emmi) have been a big part of reaching this goal.”
“They have continually supported me throughout my whole high school career no matter what sport I was in. They love watching me compete, and I love competing.”
“What makes Joey a special player is being able to use his superior athletic ability to get scoring opportunities for himself or his teammates”, said first-year North Central head coach Ben Scofield.
“He possesses a touch around the rim that I have not seen many other players able to replicate, especially at full speed.”
“If he is unable to get to the basket his pull up jump shot from mid-range is very accurate. Something people may not see that he contributes is his leadership capabilities. I also lean on him a lot in practice and games almost as if he is a coach on the floor.”
“The love he has for the game and his teammates is something special. I can’t say enough good things about Joey Burt. He has been a joy to coach”, added Scofield.
“As it pertains to Joey’s entire career at North Central he should be viewed as one of the best players to ever wear the uniform and the accolades back that up”, Scofield continued.
“What is most important about Joey’s career is the way he has been able to be a positive role model to the younger guys on the team as well as the youth in the community. He truly cares about North Central.”
“I believe there are younger kids in the program that look up to him and want to wear the uniform because of him.”
“He has successfully set the standard of what a North Central basketball player should be. Not only a hard-working skilled player but a positive role model for the younger generation. Our program is more than just basketball, it’s bigger than basketball and he understands that.”
Burt, who also excels in football and track, played AAU basketball from sixth grade until ninth grade, an experience Burt credits with his development as a player.
“I think it has helped developed me as a player by going from starting every game during school ball into playing under half the game against some really good players. Everyone on my team was a stud and are still studs at their respective schools in Northwest Ohio.”
Burt’s faith is an important part of his athletic career. “Every day I wake up knowing that God will always provide for me. I put my faith in Jesus Christ, and I know that he has blessed me tremendously. I owe everything to Him”, stated Burt who is involved with the Fellowship Of Christian Athletes along with Drama Club, Student Council (Class President), and school musicals.
Burt will be attending Marquette University where he will be majoring in Digital Marketing and hopes to high jump for the Golden Eagles.
