STARKVILLE — Ade Amusa has been a big part of the Starkville Academy boys basketball team’s success this season.
But it hasn’t been easy for the senior.
Starkville Academy coach Bruce Allsup challenged Amusa after last season to work on his game in the offseason and be ready to take on a bigger role when the 2015-16 season started. Amusa took Allsup’s advice and worked every day to improve.
Amusa’s work has paid off. It showed last week, when he scored 44 points in three games, including 21 in a victory against Heritage Academy in Columbus. For his efforts, Amusa is The Dispatch’s Prep Player of the Week.
Amusa will try and help Starkville Academy (17-6, 5-0 AAA, District 2) win the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AAA, District 2 regular-season title today when it plays host to Leake Academy. The Starkville Academy girls will kick off the varsity doubleheader against Leake Academy at approximately 6 tonight.
Amusa said the extra work he did in the offseason has boosted his confidence and has helped him averaging 11 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
“I got a membership to the gym and I go up there pretty much every day,” Amusa said. “I’ve got a court across the street and I go over there. I go run and run on a treadmill. I’ve been trying to get myself in shape.”
Amusa’s game isn’t the only thing that has improved. Allsup expected Amusa to take on a different role as a senior and wanted him to be a leader and show the team what it took to be successful.
“I did challenge him to become a better player, to be able to come in and help lead the team,” said Allsup, who has been impressed with Amusa’s rebounding. “He’s a very quiet teammate, so he doesn’t lead vocally, but he leads a lot by example with the hard work and effort he puts in. He’s been an integral part of our success this year.”
Allsup took over two seasons ago and wanted to change the culture of Starkville Academy boys basketball and make it relevant. Last season didn’t go as planned, but Amusa was one of several key pieces that returned this season. Amusa wanted to be successful as much as Allsup, which is why he worked hard in the offseason.
As for being a leader, he said he really didn’t pay attention to the added responsibility.
“I think I’ve played very well,” Amusa said. “I’m a senior, so I have to lead the team. That’s one of the challenges coach gave me. I feel like I’ve been doing it.
“I knew if I worked hard and listened to the coach, it would pay off.”
Amusa played on the ninth-grade team at Columbus High School and on the school’s varsity team as a sophomore two years ago. He said he wasn’t getting the playing time he wanted and felt confident playing time would come at Starkville Academy if he worked hard.
“I just came here to work on my game,” Amusa said. “Even last year I was struggling, but the extra time just helped me.”
Amusa said he has drawn some interest from Alabama-Birmingham and Gardner Webb, but he hasn’t received a scholarship offer. He also has attracted interest from East Central Community College.
Allsup said Amusa’s passion and love are just two things that should help him realize his goal to play at the next level.
“I think he’s got to work on his speed a little bit,” Allsup said. “To play at the next level, his quickness has got to get better. If he continues to work and believe in himself, hopefully he’ll have an opportunity to do something at the next level somewhere.”
Allsup has his team on the right track and they looked poised for a deep run in the postseason, but it wouldn’t be possible without guys like Amusa buying in and doing what is asked of them.
“It’s huge when you’ve got somebody who believes in what you ask them to do, believes in what you’re trying to get accomplished,” Allsup said.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Ben Wait on Twitter @bcwait
Ben Wait reports on Mississippi State University sports for The Dispatch.
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