Cumberland County Jets boys basketball player Triston Futrell is coming off a historic debut season.
Futrell was named the District Freshman of the Year last season after stepping into a starting role for the Jets and delivering consistent production, including key scoring spurts and confident playmaking that helped elevate Cumberland County’s backcourt. Futrell said the recognition validated the hours he poured into his game long before he suited up for the varsity squad.
Futrell said the transition to high-school basketball was not always smooth. Futrell admitted he struggled early, often overthinking during games. Futrell said head coach Christian Goodwin stepped in with guidance that stuck.
“I think at first I was struggling, I was getting in my head and stuff,” Futrell said. “He said, don’t even think about it, just go out there and play. And he says that more and more and I actually know when he’s starting to mean it, starting to ring a bell.”
Now entering his sophomore season, Futrell said his relationship with Goodwin has been a major factor in his development.
“He’s helped me a lot,” Futrell said. “He’s given me opportunities, he’s helped me with stuff [if] I needed it, and he’s been really helpful as a coach.”
Futrell said he struggled initially to adjust to varsity concepts and expectations.
“It was a rough [first few games,] but when I started getting the hang of stuff, it went pretty easily,” Futrell said.
Futrell went on to start the majority of games as a freshman and returns as a primary guard for the Jets this season. With Cumberland County aiming to rebound from a second-round exit in last year’s district tournament, Futrell said he believes the Jets are ready to compete with any team in the Upper Cumberland.
