He’s the first one you notice on the court. He shoots, he scores.

Sophomore Kenneth Wooten is a starting center on the boys varsity basketball team. He is 6’4” and weighs 185 pounds but is told that he will be 6’9” by the time he stops growing. Wooten averages about 7.5 points, eight rebounds and four blocks per game, but had a total of 16 points at his best game in Gregori High School.
He is slowly leading his team to victory.

They’re 2-2 in league right now. Wooten has been a big asset to the team, not just physically, but skillfully as well. He was awarded player of the game against Lincoln.

“He’s one of the top rebounders and is pretty good at what he does,” coach Ryan Berg said.

His goal for the season is to work with his team and make it to playoffs.

It all started in eighth grade when his parents pushed him to play basket ball, because of his height. Wooten confesses to being terrible when he began. With hard work and dedication he became better. He has improved so much, making the varsity basketball team as a sophomore. This is a big privilege for him.

“It is more than a sport and I take it very serious,” Wooten said. Recently Wooten has experienced some comparison from coaches and other players. He is being compared to the St. Mary’s senior Gabriel Vincent, who averages 23 points, three assists, and nine rebounds per game.

However, Wooten has different opinions aboutit. “I like to stay humble and I don’t think nothing of it.”

Vincent has a similar opinion. “I don’t worry too much about comparisons, just try to play my game and win,” he said.

The two athletes will play on two occasions and are both expected to give their best. Aside from the comparison and competition, Wooten plans to work even more to be able to play at a higher level.
“It’s my ticket to college and it keeps me off the streets.” He plays for his parents and gets most of his inspiration from them.

“They started me off and now I play for them.”

Basketball is his second life. It helps him stay focused in school.He also has a lot of support from his team and coach.

Teammate Anthony Wimmer, senior, says Wooten is “unselfish and does what’s needed for the team to win.”

Although Wooten has become a key player, he often struggles as a center because of his weight. He is extremely tall and slim and he doesn’t have the body muscle to sustain his balance, so he gets pushed down easily. To gain muscle Wooten is focusing on post moves and weights.

At first he didn’t think they were that important until he learned his potential. Now that he knows his potential Wooten feels good to know he will go somewhere. Playing basketball at the next level is his ultimate goal.His dream college is University of California Berkeley. After college ball he hopes to play for the Kings.

“Kenny is a great person,” Berg said. “He comes in every day and does everything.”