The Concord Yellowjacket boys’ basketball began their home opener with a heartwarming tribute to beloved Coach Fred Garland. He passed away the night before in a tragic car accident. Despite the tragedy, the boys bravely decided they wanted to play. After putting their talent, determination, and dedication into this game, they lost in overtime against the Bronson Vikings 48-42, leaving the team with a 3-2 record for the start of this season.
Connor Stevens, a junior who was Big 8 All-conference last year, starts at the height of 6’5, leading the team with 19 points, 17 rebounds, 4 offense rebounds, 13 defensive rebounds, and 4 steals. Connor had a strong relationship with Coach Garland, who coached Stevens’ AUU team and was someone he could always look up to. Stevens had a few words to say despite the loss: “He was my man; I hung out with him alot. He was my AAU coach, and I got to know him and get closer with him over the summer. It’s really sad, but I know he would want us to keep playing and that is exactly what we did.” Stevens played his hardest, honoring a coach he loved dearly and showing that even when you’re down, you should never give up and keep pushing.
Junior Jett Smith, also excellent offensively, scored 15 points. Smith is an outstanding shooter, who is determined and has the confidence that the Concord Yellowjackets need to continue to pursue their goals for the rest of the season.
Sophomore starter Darrell Dean Jr. had 6 points,6 rebounds,3 steals, and 3 offensive rebounds. When asked about what he thinks they could have done better, his response was, “We probably could have communicated better.” Besides that mistake, he explains where they were effective and what they need to concentrate on moving forward: “One thing we did well was playing defense and trying to execute the plays. I also think the rest of the season will be good if we continue to be determined and work hard in practice.”
Brady Garrett, another Junior who is new to Concord this year, has a similar but different opinion on what was asked. He explains, “I think our team could really focus on our energy being better and knocking down open shots.” He agrees with Dean when it comes to executing plays the correct way. Garrett is a helpful player when it comes to stepping up when they need someone. Garret shares that they played good defense as well as getting many points off of executing the plays. He is confident in their future, explaining that, “we’re gonna pick it up and be better.”
The Boys’ Varsity is coached by Marcus Gill. He has been coaching the team since 2019. Gill is a very determined coach who is willing to go to lengths to help his boys. He cares about them and their success, not only on the court but off the court as well. Before coaching at Concord, Gill has a history with coaching at Albion College. He had a close relationship with Garland. After what Gill and his players went through during the time of this game, he had a few words to say about how they handled themselves: “ Gameday was tough for us all considering what we just went through. I am so proud of my guys for the way they fought through emotions and competed at a high level. We did not get the outcome we wanted, but just being out there, with them giving their all was good enough for me.”
After the long day the players and coach had, deciding to still play even after the grief they were feeling, they continued to fight till the end, trying their absolute hardest to handle adversity and to pay a meaningful tribute to Garland, playing the sport that both Garland and this team embrace with such passion.
The Concord community is proud of our coaches and our team. Please keep all who loved Fred Garland in your thoughts in the weeks ahead.
Our boys’ next home game is Tuesday, December 17th at home against Hillsdale Academy. We hope to see everyone there!
