Georgetown High graduates find success at next level
By Chris Sokoloski
csokoloski@gtowntimes.com
The Roane State Community College men's basketball team lost 82-77 to Motlow State on Wednesday in the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association's post season tournament.
It was the final game at Roane for Georgetown High School graduates Kinard Gadsden-Gilliard, 21, and Jonathan Maybank, 25.
Gadsden-Gilliard will graduate in May and Maybank will finish this summer.
"They both give our team a lot of character," Roane coach Randy Nesbit said. "They both show good leadership on the court. They've been really positive, giving positive contributions in all areas to our program and school."
Gadsden-Gilliard averaged 14 points and seven rebounds a game and shot 43 percent from three-point range this season. Maybank averaged 11 points a game and shot 51 percent from the floor, which was highest among the guards in Roane's region.
Nesbit said both had "outstanding seasons."
"We're just real fortunate to have both of them here."
Gadsden-Gilliard is studying education. He wants to be a teacher and a coach.
"I want to start in high school and work my way up," he said.
This semester Gadsden-Gilliard's courses were: intro to teaching, educational psychology, care and prevention of athletic injuries, and western literature.
Once a week he spent the day in a high school class and reported back to his teacher. He also completed an instructional aide class where he learned how to integrate technology in the classroom and create websites.
Maybank is studying exercise science and wants to be a strength and conditioning coach at a college. He's already working as a personal trainer.
"I would love to be around players and coaches," Maybank said. "I would like to better young men and women's lives, not only on the court or the field but off the field too."
This semester Maybank's courses were: intro to religion, college algebra, principles of nutrition, and injury care and prevention.
Gadsden-Gilliard was enrolled at Roane and playing basketball when Maybank came for a visit. Gadsden-Gilliard encouraged the coaching staff to give his cousin a tryout, and the rest is history.
Both former Bulldogs hope to put their teaching and training careers on hold to continue playing basketball. Several Roane players have gone on to larger schools or to play professionally in Europe and Puerto Rico.
Both agree that having family around helps when you're nine hours from home.