By Derrick Smith

There are people in everyone’s life that make an impact on us and help shape us into the person we become. High school student-athletes are no different because they have people that they look up to as well and in a lot of cases, those people are other athletes. But in the case of Jamari Rushing, the people that have made the biggest impact on him are a little close to home.

“The biggest role models in my life are my family,” he said. “My mom, my brothers, and my sisters keep me on the path that I am on now. I am thankful to have them in my life.”

Rushing is a junior at Daniel Webster High School, where he plays shooting guard on the basketball team. He first began playing basketball when he was in the sixth grade. He fell in love with the game and has played it ever since. He also plays football and previously ran track at Webster.

Rushing says that there is a lot that goes into becoming the best athlete that you can be, but you have to be willing to do what is required.

“I have put in a lot of time to get where I am today,” he said. “Hard work, never giving up, and always staying focused are the things that have helped me.”

Webster head coach, Matt Watson, says that Jamari does a great job making a difference in every game he plays.

“Jamari works hard at everything he does,” Watson said. “He is always able to find a way to impact any game that he is a part of without needing the ball in his hands.”

Throughout his athletic career, Rushing has made a lot of memories, both on the court and off of it. He says that his favorite moment so far happened last season on the basketball court.

“Last season, I scored my first varsity point,” he recalled. “It was a three-pointer and it felt great to see it go in. I am looking forward to having some more big moments this season.”