As high school basketball season is edging closer to playoff time, Prince Coleman emerges as a beacon of talent and determination at Atoka High School.

Prince Coleman’s journey, rooted in faith, family and education, underscores his unique approach to both academics and sports. “When it comes to my background, it starts with God and family, and education is my main priority and focus, and then basketball.”

Inspired by family legacy, Prince’s grandmother’s remarkable feats on the basketball court fueled his passion for the game: “My grandmother inspired me because I heard stories of how she scored 50 points in a game and was averaging 30.”

In the pantheon of basketball idols, Kevin Durant stands as Prince’s guiding light. He admires Durant for his humility and exceptional skills, embodying traits Prince aspires to emulate on and off the court.

Balancing the demands of academics and athletics, Prince underscores the importance of time management. “Without my education, I cannot excel or advance to the next level. Time management is an important skill that I was taught.”

Reflecting on his journey, Prince cherishes the memories of facing top-ranked opponents before moving to Oklahoma. Each game, each challenge, shapes his character and fortifies his resolve.

However, challenges abound, and Prince faced setbacks with injuries during football season. Yet, through resilience and unwavering determination, he persevered, focusing on healing and rehab to return stronger.

For Prince, being part of a team transcends individual accomplishments. It’s about personal growth and collective success. “Being a part of a team is being a team player; it’s about every individual that is with me on my team.”

Before every game, Prince finds solace in routines, from receiving motivational messages from his mother to meditating on the task ahead.

Guiding Prince’s journey are mentors like coach John Serrano and Mr. Walker, who nurture his athletic and personal development, on and off the court.

Looking forward, Prince’s aspirations extend beyond high school. He dreams of playing at the next level, earning a degree and forging a successful career.

Prince Coleman’s story embodies resilience, determination and a steadfast commitment to excellence both on and off the court.