Jenkins and Miles, “The Bottom Line is Hard Work”
B.J. Jenkins is honored to be named Athlete of the Year for Green Run High School. This 6’0” eighteen-year-old senior sees this designation as the culmination of years of hard work. “Putting in a lot of effort is definitely important to being successful in high school athletics,” he says.
Jenkins, who has signed to play basketball with Liberty University in the fall, began on the JV squad in his freshman year but was moved to varsity halfway through the season. Since then, he has remained one of the leading point guards and shooting guards for the Stallions. Perhaps most remarkable is his ability to consistently sink shots both in and out of the three-point line.
“Every day I work on something different,” says Jenkins. “Whether it’s shooting or defense or quickness, there has always been something for me to improve.” Although staying at the top of his game necessarily includes strengthening the technical elements of his game, Jenkins explains that progressing also means evaluating criticism. “I’ve learned not to listen to the negativity that can sometimes come my way. Some of the criticism is constructive – and I listen to that. But as long as I can stay focused on positive things, I’ll continue to get better.”
As an example, Jenkins points to the fact that the people who doubt his ability actually make him do better on the basketball court because he wants to prove them wrong. But he also says that the people who are close to him have provided a firm foundation and an abiding love for athletic competition. “Both of my parents competed in sports and did well,” he says. “I guess the love of sports has rubbed off on me. My mom is definitely a big inspiration for me.”
Ashley Miles, a seventeen-year-old senior, says that being named Athlete of the Year for Green Run was unexpected. However, it motivates her, a 5’7” guard, to continue pursuing basketball, which she explains is one of her passions. “I love basketball, period,” she says assertively. “Even if it wasn’t a competitive sport, I’d still be playing. Competing against people who are really good gets my adrenaline going.”
Miles began playing basketball when she was nine years old and says that basketball was a family affair. Her mother coached a team that included her older sister and when the younger Miles was finally allowed to play, she never looked back.
Sheer athleticism is one reason that Miles is able to maintain the technical abilities necessary to excel on the basketball court. Even in the off season she stays active. “My day usually consists of working out in one way or another. Whether it’s P.E. in school or running or going to the weight room, I try to stay active.”
Her persistence is evident on the court. Miles is particularly strong in several areas. She has excellent court vision, allowing her to see the movements of her teammates and get the ball where it needs to be. Her drive is powerful and decisive, letting her push past defenders. Her shooting is likewise among the strongest in the Beach District.
Miles’s list of accomplishments reflects the abundance of devotion and effort she puts into the game. Aside from being Athlete of the Year, she has been team MVP, team captain, best offensive player, leading scorer, and also been named to the second and first All-Beach District teams.
For those wishing to follow Miles’s example, she has a bit of advice. “Continue to stay with it and perfect your craft. The bottom line is hard work.”
