NEVC senior Prough overcomes adversity to flourish on the hardwood
After a standout freshman season, Northeast Vernon County Knights guard Jaxon Prough lost the vast majority of his sophomore campaign to a hip fracture.
The setback didn't deter Prough, as he bounced back with strong junior and senior seasons on the hardwood. Despite losing nearly a quarter of his prep career to the injury, Prough was still able to eclipse the 1,000 career point plateau, reaching the milestone on senior night, Feb. 20 in Walker.
Prough said that coming off the injury he didn't anticipate reaching a 1,000 career points.
“I faced a lot of adversity overcoming my hip injury," he said. "I was doing numerous exercises and stretches, any time I could, to build as much strength as I could. Getting back in shape was really tough.
"I definitely didn’t want to be lacking, and falling behind when I came back. The scariest part was not knowing if I was going to get back out on the court and break it again. I hated being out all but four games my sophomore year, but I think it ultimately made me push harder, and led me to become a better all-around player."
Prough said his fondest high school memory was achieving the feat on senior night.
"To do it on senior night was really special — in front of the home crowd, and my teammates, is something I will never forget," he said. "I want to say 'thank you' to everyone that comes and supports us, it makes the games unlike any other environment I have played in."
Added Prough: "Basketball has been a part of me since second-grade, and being a part of this sport has driven me to be a better person and create a great-work ethic.
"I’m really sad about the season being over, but I am looking forward to what life has planned for me, and I know I can always (look) back on all the great coaches, teammates, and memories that basketball has given me.”
Upon graduating this spring, Prough said he plans on attending State Technical College of Missouri, and will pursue an associates degree in precision machining.