After playing a couple of warm-up games in September, the Jonesboro-Hodge Junior High basketball teams took to the court again on Tuesday, October 14th, when they hosted Winnfield and Gibsland-Coleman in their official season-opening Jamboree.
Leading the JHMS girls team is Derrick Perry Sr., who is in his first year as coach of the Lady Tigers after previously working with the Jackson Parish School District in the transportation department.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with these girls,” said Perry Sr. “and I look forward to laying a firm foundation for them so that they can achieve success both on and off the court.”
After growing up in Natchitoches, LA, Perry moved to Leesville, LA, in the 8th grade before getting his high school diploma at Carville Job Corp in Shreveport, a vocational training school.
“I wasn’t what you would call a “golden child” growing up,” reflected Perry Sr. “There were some dark days where I didn’t really know what was ahead, but through the grace of God, I made it through every negative situation with a positive outcome.”
After getting his high school diploma, Perry Sr. enrolled at Remington College in Shreveport with the idea of becoming a professional barber. From there, he transferred to Houston Community College to study business management. Texas Lone Star College is where he’d find his true passion for Kinesiology. After taking a break from his studies, Coach Perry decided last fall to enroll at Grambling State University to major in kinesiology with a concentration in sports management, all the while working to support his seven children. In 2018, Perry’s journey brought him to Jonesboro, where he went to work for Time to Shine and Wooly’s One Stop before gaining employment at West Rock, where he stayed for two years.
Responding to an opportunity to become a school bus driver, Perry Sr. then came in contact with Jackson Parish School District Transportation Director David Brown, whom he credits with being instrumental in putting him on the path to coach at JHMS.
“I met Coach Brown – as Perry Sr. calls him in reference to Brown’s days as a high school coach before being promoted to his current position – while getting my CDL license so I could become a bus driver,” said Perry Sr. “We talked alot and he knew I had developed a love for coaching kids from coaching T-Ball at the Recreation Department and guiding a basketball team with Coach Donnie Bryant to the championship of the Jackson Parish Unity Team “Jonesboro Jump Shot” tournament this summer.
Brown recalls talking with Perry Sr. and how impressed he became with his attitude and obvious desire to be an inspiration and motivator to young people.
“It was easy to see that Derrick had a desire to use his experience growing up as a motivational tool for young kids to learn from,” said Brown. “He has an inspirational message and wants to help kids build a spiritual foundation that they can carry with them throughout life.”
JHMS Principal Brent Carpenter was also taken with the commitment Perry Sr. had in wanting to help the youth he would be in charge of.
“It was obvious when talking with Derrick that his goals for the kids were far more than wanting to teach them how to play basketball but also helping prepare them for their life ahead. I am very happy he agreed to coach our kids as he has been a great benefit to our school.”
Just what is that message that Perry Sr. conveys?
“I want these kids to know that even though it may look like their future isn’t bright right now that if they stay strong in their faith that they will come out of whatever the situation they are in right now and gain success,” said Perry Sr. “I want them to know that nothing can stop them from achieving their dream and they can be somebody in this world if they work for it.”
Only time will tell how many wins on the basketball court Perry Sr. will lead his team to in the future, but one thing is for sure. If the youth will listen to him, the lessons he will teach them will lead to many victories in life.
JHMS Basketball Schedule for October
