ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — On the basketball court, KJ Bevel knows the importance of the next play. Away from the gym, he’s learning to hit a few different keys.

Bevel, a senior at Sherwood Christian Academy, has been named VSU Scholar Athlete of the Week.

A school day built around the gym

A good school day for Bevel has a simple rhythm: classes, a snack, then time to get to work.

“Once I get in the gym, it’s basically everything else is tuned out from there on out. Just focus a lot on sport and just try to get better every single day,” Bevel said.

Rebuilding confidence

Bevel spent two years on JV, working to rebuild his confidence. His coaches helped him keep moving forward.

“As I kept on playing, I kept on getting that confidence back more and more and more. Until I got my chance last year and I tried to show out,” he said.

Academics first

His parents have emphasized academics before athletics, and Bevel is carrying all A’s. His grades sit at 95 and above.

“I know I have all A’s right now. I’m sitting 95s and above as far as I know. So, not bad. Not bad in my opinion,” he said.

Passing confidence along

Now Bevel is helping others find their confidence, too.

During last postseason, a friend made a bad pass. Bevel made sure his friend heard some encouragement.

“Encourage him and pour into him. And then the next play, he came out and made a big play,” Bevel said.

Piano and the road ahead

Away from the court, Bevel is learning piano, inspired in part by his sister.

As a senior, he is thinking about the impact he will leave behind.

“Obviously, I want to go win state, but more importantly, making a lasting impact on the younger guys that are still coming up,” he said.

Bevel is considering Florida or Georgia for college and is interested in accounting.

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