Octaxious Evans selected to play in TABC 4-A All-State Game
By CHS Junior, Alberto Huichapa
April 24, 2017 - Senior Octaxious Evans was selected by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches to play at the TABC All-Star Game in San Antonio on May 19.
"It came out of nowhere to be honest," Evans said. "Mama Harrison texted me and she showed me I was on the roster. It felt good knowing I get to play again."
Evans is the first player to play in the TABC All-Star Game from Center High School since Robert Culley in 1977, who was the first high school student in Texas to play in both the basketball and baseball All-Star Games.
"This recognizes his abilities and accomplishments," Athletic Director Barry Bowman said. "It also recognizes our athletic department and specifically, our basketball program of Coach Harrison and his staff with the job that they've been able to do with Tae."
To be selected for the All-Star Game, a player must be nominated by their coach. After that, the player must also be selected by coaches throughout the State of Texas.
"The honor speaks for itself," Bowman said. "This is a group of coaches, who spend their lives in a particular field like basketball, in the State of Texas who have decided that this young man has fit all the criteria to be selected to play in this game."
Evans was elected into the 1st team of the 2017 District 16-4A, All-District Boys Basketball Team and the Class 4A Region III Basketball Team. Evans racked up a total of 496 points, 80 assists and 193 rebounds in the 2016-17 basketball season.
"I'm proud of Tae," head basketball Coach Hiram Harrison said. "He's a hard worker, so he deserves it."
Evans has became a leader and a role model for many athletes and students. He shows success pays off with hard work, and having good character makes a difference. Because of these qualities, Evans signed his letter of intent to play football at Boise State in the fall.
"It's feels good to step up and play a role in other people's lives," Evans said. "It's a lot of pressure sometimes. You can't let nobody see you doing wrong cause then they’re going to think they can do wrong."
A banquet will be held to honor the players and coaches on May 18 at 7:00 p.m. at The El Tropicano Hotel in San Antonio. The Boys 4A All-Star Game will begin at 6:00 p.m. at Blossom Athletic Center on May 19. There will be no charge for admission into the game.
"He's going to do well, no doubt about it," Bowman said. "He's going to do well no matter what he chooses to do. He's just that kind of kid."
If an individual or business would like to support Evans by sponsoring an advertisement in the All-State Game program, please contact hiram.harrison@centerisd.org.
