For Cowboy scorer, basketball is his in blood

Antonio Russell's two older brothers played ball in high school and now play in college, and all were coached by their dad.

By TERRY JONES
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 16, 2003

CARROLLWOOD -- When Antonio Russell played his first basketball games in the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation League, the ball came up almost to his knees. He was 4.

Basketball always has been a part of life for the Russell family. Antonio's father, Jeremiah Russell, played in high school and college and helped his three sons learn the fine points of the sport.

Antonio, a junior and team leader for the Cowboys, is following in the footsteps of his two older brothers as a player for Gaither High School.

Because he can score from inside or outside the perimeter, he is one of the top scorers in the county, says Gaither coach Dwayne Olinger.

"Antonio can do anything on the court," Olinger said. "He is also a very unselfish player, always putting the team first. He will get the ball to the player with the open shot."

Antonio left the parks and recreation league when he was 8 and started playing AAU ball. At 13, he was selected for the first team all state.

He already was set on being a Gaither basketball player like his brothers J.R. and Marcus.

"I have had the advantage of observing and learning from my older brothers, plus my dad," Antonio said. "From J.R. I learned to play hard and with heart. From Marcus I learned to pace myself so I wouldn't tire out early. Dad still helps me. He is at all my games and is one of my biggest supporters."

Both the older Russell brothers are playing college ball, J.R. at Louisville University and Marcus at Fordham University in New York.

Because of his scoring skill, Antonio played number-two or shooting guard for Gaither last year, but was moved to point guard this year. The point guard moves the team, calls the offense and directs the attack on the court.

"The point guard is responsible for reading the opponents' defense and calling the plays," Antonio said. "Coach Olinger often sees things I don't and can change those plays at any time, so I always keep an eye open in his direction when setting up."

Gaither struggled early in the season and was only 15-13 as of Thursday. Antonio believes the Cowboys can win the district tournament, which starts Tuesday in the Gaither gym.

Gaither opens at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, against Sarasota. Bloomingdale, Venice, Riverview and Sarasota Riverview are also in the district.

Antonio, 17, says Gaither has overcome the problems that caused its struggles earlier in the season.

"The only problems the team had this year were some injuries and academic struggles that altered our lineup," he said. "We are in good shape now. Only one guy is slow to get back to 100 percent physically, and the guys with the grade problems did what they had to do in the classroom, so we are good to go."

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright