How a change of heart helped Oakland basketball's Jevon Ballard become one of area's best

Jevon Ballard is leading the Oakland boys basketball team in several offensive categories this season.

But the high school senior almost wasn't around to accomplish what he has so far.

The 5-foot-11 wing had doubts about coming back for his final year following a disappointing junior season in which his playing time decreased considerably from his sophomore season.

But Ballard had a change of heart — and work ethic. And it's paid off for both he and the Patriots.

"That I had worked hard and didn't get as much opportunity as I thought I should have," said Ballard, on his near decision to quit the team in the offseason. "But basketball has been a big part of my life and it would have been a hard decision to give it up completely right now."

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The Patriots are just 7-12 overall, but have won three of four. They are off to a 2-1 start in District 7-4A after Tuesday's 70-61 win over rival Riverdale.

The slow start could have been much worse had Ballard not been in the lineup. He is averaging 13.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and two assists per game while leading the team in 3-pointers made and free throw shooting percentage.

"I know last year as a junior, in my first year here, Antonio Patterson had come back to the team and took (Ballard's) spot and a lot of his minutes," Oakland coach Dyron Birdwell said. "He got a little frustrated and I think it affected his work ethic off the floor.

"He was playing JV, and I could see his frustration. After the year was over, I told him, 'You have a chance to help us, but you have to put the work in.' That's what he did. It's a testament to who he is as a person and a hard-working kid. We're glad to have him. He's definitely helped us out this year."

Ballard has been versatile for the Patriots, playing a wing position and hitting 15 3-pointers but also being able to score inside.

"He gives us a presence at the No. 3 spot, a small forward with his strength," Birdwell said. "He uses his body well and finishes well around the rim. He has a post body but guard skills and quickness. He's done a really good job helping us get to the rim, which is what we need."

"Jevon has helped us this year in a many of different ways, but I think he has really helped us scoring the ball," said Oakland senior standout Brody Burchard. "He is a natural scorer and uses his body well to get to the rim. He’s had multiple 20-point games and led us in scoring in many other games."

Ballard credits a postseason of being motivated to get back in the lineup for his improvement on the court.

"I just worked harder," said Ballard, who scored 20 points against Riverdale. "I've worked hard on my athleticism, and I think it's helped me move quicker and helped me compete better. It's given me more opportunity."

Despite the slow start, Oakland's recent play and athleticism on the floor gives Ballard reason for optimism that the Patriots can make a second-half run.

"We have to have our defense play as hard as we can every night," said Ballard, of the team's chances at a deep postseason run. "If we do that, I don't think a lot of teams will be able to score on us."

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Oakland boys basketball standout Jevon Ballard having big senior year