Cookeville Cavaliers basketball player Bryce Herren said he has reached the next stage of his basketball career, and this season, that growth shows up in more ways than just points on the scoreboard.
Now settled into his role with the Cavaliers, Herren said he plays with a noticeable calm and confidence. Rather than forcing his presence, Herren said he focuses on what the game, and his teammates, need in the moment. Whether it is moving the ball, knocking down an open shot or sliding over on defense, Herren said he prides himself on doing the little things that keep Cookeville competitive night after night.
“I’d say not necessarily leadership cause I think our senior, Brody Parsons, does that pretty well,” Herren said. “But just uplifting the team, being a team player, whether it’s getting the ball, hitting a shot, getting the ball, making the reversal, sliding over on defense, just whatever the team needs in the moment.”
Though he began his basketball career as a point guard, Herren said he now floats comfortably between both guard spots and is not afraid to mix it up inside when matchups allow. His ability to read defenses has helped him take advantage of opportunities wherever they appear on the floor.
“So if I were to have a mismatch in a game and I have the opportunity to get them down low in the post, I take advantage of that,” Herren said. “But whatever the defense gives me, I take advantage of that.”
The results have followed. Herren has emerged as a steady contributor for the Cavaliers this season, delivering efficient scoring outings while helping facilitate the offense and keep the ball moving. Those results include making six three pointers against Lipscomb Academy earlier in December. Coaches and teammates alike have come to rely on his adaptability and basketball IQ, especially in tight games.
Herren said he credits his approach not just to time in the gym, but to lessons learned long before he put on a Cookeville uniform.
“Give the glory to my parents, they raised me right,” Herren said. “They taught me how to not only play basketball correctly but how to just be a good person so it’s kind of shed off into my basketball playing and how to be a team player and a team person.”
Herren said those lessons were constant reminders to do the right thing wherever they went. This season, that mindset has translated into a player who values effort, selflessness and adaptability as much as scoring.
