If you want to know what it’s like to play at a program where the expectations are gold balls, then look no further than Booker T. Washington High School. The boy’s basketball program is one of the more storied programs in the state. The 16-time state champion Hornets are led this season by a dynamic combo guard, BJ Harris. The history of this program is not lost on this young man.

“What I love most about being a student-athlete at BTW is the history behind Booker T., and trying to be a part of it,” said Harris.

Now in his junior season, Harris and a couple of teammates are in leadership roles on the team and they look to help the program get back to the state tournament. Harris said the team is more like a family.

“We’re all family,” said Harris. “The goal is winning a state championship. We are very young, but we’re coming together great.”

The youth is something head coach Eli K. Brown III talked about in preseason.

“After graduating 60 percent of our scoring, we look to rebuild with a very young roster. Having only one senior and two juniors, we are looking forward to lots of teaching and learning on the job,” said Brown.

Harris is excited for the opportunity to compete and help return the basketball program to its rightful place at the top.

In the classroom, Harris is just as focused. His favorite subject is math, and his favorite teacher is Mrs. Webber.

“I would like to go to college and play basketball,” said Harris. “In my free time I enjoy watching Netflix or playing video games.”