The great Michael Jordan once said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”
Zion Buckner, a senior at Smith-Cotton and starting point guard on the basketball team, has come a long way in his high school career. Zion has played basketball since he was in sixth grade, working in the gym with his dad, Damon Buckner, who has been the biggest influence on his love for the game.
“My dad motivates, pushes, and trains me.” Zion said. “He looks at film with me to go over my mistakes and point out the things I did right.”
Zion said the season is going well so far as the team is adjusting to the new coaching style of coach Bill Barton. The team just won the 86th Annual Eldon Invitational basketball tourney title, defeating Christian of St. Louis, 63-50. Zion scored 19 points in the title game, Sunday, Jan. 28.
Zion is confident in pursuing basketball at the collegiate level, as schools have already shown some interest in him.
“I think it’ll be harder in college, but I’m just gonna work hard and try my best,” he said.
Zion’s father is not alone in influencing his game; his coaches over the years also have shaped his game. Coach Ashley Young, history teacher at S-C, has been watching and helping coach Zion for the past five years.
“I hope I’ve had a very positive and supportive influence on Zion,” Young said. “He has been one of the most polite, respectful, and coachable players that I have had the pleasure to coach during my coaching career.”
Almost everyone around Zion recognizes his leadership qualities and they say he is most known for leading by example on the court. Having a non-vocal mentality hasn’t stopped Zion from inspiring his teammates to always push harder and never quit. Senior Kendall Weymuth said Zion has never given up on him.
“If Zion plays good, we all play good,” Weymuth said. “He has always had my back whenever I’ve struggled with something and he’s taught me how to just play ball and not to worry about anything else and just play my game.”
Zion does everything he can to help others, especially the younger players.
“I usually help the underclassmen with their game,” Zion said. “I’ll sit and tell them what shots they should take and just give them pointers.”
With Zion at point guard, he calls offensive plays and makes sure everything runs smoothly throughout the game by calling in huddles and keeping the team focused. Assistant coach Michael Franklin said Zion has improved over his high school career and has been a great example to the rest of the team.
“Overall, I think Zion’s jump shot and court awareness have stood out,” Franklin said.
Zion believes having his teammates around helps him become a better player. He is grateful that his father, coaches and teammates have pushed him to become a better player and person.
“We give each other competition and keep each other motivated in practice to do our best,” Zion said.
Both Young and Franklin think Zion has a good shot at being successful in college basketball.
“I think a college basketball career is definitely in Zion’s future.” Young said. “He will make a team very happy at the point guard position.”
