Stone Memorial Panthers Boys Basketball player Jack Cordell has already played a vital role for the Panthers on the court, but as he enters his final season, he finds himself embracing more than just a position in the lineup.
Cordell said he is learning an entirely new brand of Stone Memorial basketball under incoming head coach Jess Raby. Cordell said the transition has been as much about personal growth as it has been about X’s and O’s.
Cordell transferred to Stone Memorial from Clarkrange following his sophomore year and quickly became one of the Panthers’ most dependable playmakers. Last season, he averaged 13.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, setting career highs in both fields.
Now entering his senior campaign, Cordell said the biggest impact has not just come from the on-court adjustments, but from the atmosphere Raby and his staff are building.
“Just being able to grow on and off the court,” Cordell said. “The staff does really well with us, both our head coach and assistant coach[es,] just pouring into us both spiritually and on the court so we walk off as better people and better men in general.”
Cordell is one of four seniors who will anchor a Stone Memorial roster looking to push deeper into postseason contention. Cordell said the mission this year is simple, and deeply personal.
“[We want] to be able to grow,” Cordell said. “And [we also want to] grow close to these guys. This is a wonderful team. I’m very blessed to be on it.”
Cordell said that theme of growth is woven throughout the Panthers’ daily routine. Cordell said the program’s emphasis on character development is a cornerstone of Raby’s approach.
“We could be having a rough day and stuff and Coach always got something positive to say,” Cordell said. “Every Wednesday we’ll come in for character coaching. Coach David always hits the spot, almost seems like it’s pointed towards you, the way it digs into your soul, and it’s really good.”
Cordell’s leadership, experience, and scoring ability make him one of the Panthers’ key returning pieces heading into this season. Cordell said his focus now is to maximize his final high-school season while keeping an eye on his long-term goals. The senior hopes to continue his basketball career at the college level, with his college currently undecided.
