ROCKINGHAM — The loudest basket of the season helped name Jacob Rankin the Official Richmond County Male Student-Athlete of the Week presented by Rockingham NC Self Storage.
A sophomore basketball player, Rankin sent Richmond Senior High School’s gym into a frenzy at the final buzzer during the team’s win over Pinecrest High School last Tuesday.
As a result of his memory-making basket against the Patriots, followed by a season-high scoring performance, Rankin earned his first career recognition.
Athletic Profile
Year: Sophomore
Winter sport: Basketball
Position: Shooting Guard
Varsity experience: 1 season
CLASSROOM CREDITS WITH JACOB RANKIN
A sophomore, Rankin said it’s important to him to get good grades in the classroom so he can participate in athletics.
This semester he’s taking four courses at Richmond — American History I, Biology I, English II and Health and Safety. During the first nine-week period, Rankin made A honor roll with straight As.
“My favorite class is reading,” Rankin said. “I’ve learned a whole lot and I enjoy reading stories. Fridays are my favorite part of the school week, but every day I like to hang out with my friends and see the guys on the team throughout the day.
“I really like Mrs. (Cynthia) Watkins,” he added. “She’s a really good teacher and she helps me with assignments and helps me make sure I understand what I’m working on.”
“AT THE BUZZER” WITH JACOB RANKIN
There was a loud roar from the crowd near the middle of the fourth quarter during Richmond’s home Sandhills Athletic Conference game last Tuesday against Pinecrest High School.
Chants of “we want Jacob” came up from behind the Raiders’ bench and shortly after, Rankin made his first appearance of the season. Richmond held a large lead in the closing minutes of the 106-81 win over the Patriots.
Rankin took several three-point shots from the right wing before his final attempt swished through the bucket as the horn sounded for Richmond’s final three points.
After the memory-making shot, Rankin was swarmed by teammates and fans to celebrate his first career varsity basket.
On Monday, the Raiders routed Southern Lee High School 93-55. Getting another chance to play, Rankin shot 2-for-5 (40%) from three-point land for a new single-game career-high six points.
The Raiders (5-1) will play in the Allen Iverson Classic in Grovetown, Ga., on Friday and Saturday. They will face the host Warriors (2-5) and Gainesville (Ga.) High School (0-7).
VIDEO: Sophomore Jacob Rankin drains a three-pointer at the buzzer in a 106-81 win over Pinecrest and shares his thoughts on the magical moment in a postgame interview. (Kyle Pillar, sports editor)
RAPID RESPONSE VIDEO WITH JACOB RANKIN
In his interview, Rankin recalls his magic moment against the Patriots, shares what he thinks is the best part of being a Raider basketball player and explains his keys to success from beyond the arc.
The Richmond Observer will publish two more Official Richmond County Student-Athletes of the Week next week.
