By Justin Fedich | The Selma Times-Journal

Derrick Griffin is shorter, younger and less experienced than his Ellwood Christian teammates. He’s also one of the most talented players on the Eagles’ roster.

As the lone freshman on the varsity roster, Griffin has already made his presence known. He’s only been playing organized basketball since seventh grade, but he’s already dreaming of playing on the big stage.

Ellwood boys’ basketball head coach Darrell Walker said Griffin is unique to other players he’s coached.

“I saw something in him that I haven’t seen in a long time in a young player like that,” Walker said.

Griffin said his teammates have been praising his effort since he started playing with them. He said the confidence they have in him has given him more confidence in his own game.

“I’m good. I’m better than half of them,” Griffin said his teammates tell him. “I work hard. I don’t ever give up.”

Walker expects to give Griffin an opportunity early on to show off his skills as a varsity player, and his team is excited to have him contribute.

“His biggest strength is to make plays, get shots, drive to the hole and attack the rim,” said senior Chris Caldwell. “He’s pretty good at it.”

Griffin’s family and friends call him Boo, but he’s not sneaking up on anyone this season.

At a Monday practice leading up to the first game of the season, he already carried himself with confidence and a sense that he belongs on a roster filled with upperclassmen.

Griffin admits the game has gotten a little faster since his jump from middle school basketball, but it’s not an obstacle that frightens him.

He’s only been playing organized basketball for two years, and his sights are already set on playing professional basketball.

Like many young basketball players, Griffin looks up to Cleveland Cavaliers star Lebron James, and says he wants to someday play in the NBA. Griffin believes he has the talent to make it there.

“It’s my dream,” Griffin said.

Griffin knows it takes hard work to reach the top level, but he said he’s willing to put in that work. Luckily, he has a group of seniors who mentor him and teach him the values that will benefit him on and off the court.

“Stay focused,” Caldwell said he tells Griffin.

“If you’ve got problems, talk to us. We’ve been in the same boat he was in, so we can’t tell him that we don’t know.”

While Griffin hasn’t yet felt the pressure of a high school game, he’s done his best to be prepared for the moment when he takes the court at R.C. Hatch Friday for the first game of the season.

Ellwood senior Achilles Rutledge describes everything Griffin brings to the team, from his physical gifts to his work ethic, as “outstanding.”

Griffin understands he’s still the rookie of the bunch, but he has dreams much bigger than playing on the varsity team as a freshman.

If Griffin wants to achieve those dreams, he’ll need to play a big factor in the Eagles’ success this season.

Walker plans on giving Griffin every opportunity to do just that.

“We’re throwing him right into the fire,” Walker said. “Derrick Griffin is going to be a great player.”