DeMario Beck is a young man of very few words on and off the court.
The 6'6" Bleckley County hoops star is averaging a double-double this season with 18 points and 12 rebounds per game. He's not doing bad since he just started playing basketball 2 years ago as a freshman, and before he was cut from the middle school team.
DeMario is a quiet workhorse, saying very little, "Talking takes you out of your game. Just play your game." His actions on the hardwood speak louder than his words.
Beck's coach Cliff Kerbo echoes DeMario, "Very few words but alot of action. He's been in our program for 3 years and has improved tremedously."
DeMario puts his grades first because he wants to pursue his dream of playing at the next level, but he knows that won't happen unless he puts his grades first. "Grades come first," Beck stresses.
The junior says practice is his favorite part about the game, and he doesn't mind putting in the extra work to get the job done.
Coach Kerbo sees Beck's work ethic paying off, "He's our third leading assist guy. He actually gave a great assist at Northisde to win the game. He's averaging like 4.2 a game, and actually he's maturing alot. Last year you might not have been able to get this much out of him. He's been around the guys all this year, which has taught him that he can really be himself. By doing what he's doing the kids know its a big difference than when hes not on the floor compared to when he is. Glad to have him and I just hope he continues to improve this year."
And in his case practice almost makes perfect and for this season one sentence best sums up DeMario's aspirations for this season.
Beck says confidently, "I wanna win a state championship."
With the Bleckley County Royals at 13-5 so far this season, anything is possible, especially with #20 in the lineup.