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DEL.ICIO.USPatience pays off for player and his coach
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By the time Eddie Martin came back down to Earth, the Norcross basketball coach probably floated off into blissful sleep. Easy is the head that wears the crown.
For three decades now Martin, 50, has been a hoops fixture in these parts. A shooting star at Central Gwinnett, he spent 20 seasons establishing Brookwood’s program before taking over the Blue Devils four years ago.
Certainly, Martin did not need Friday’s Class AAAAA title win over Beach to validate his worth.
Not as a coach.
Nor as a man.
Just ask Brenton Butler, Norcross’ heady point guard.
Much was made over the Blue Devils’ rise, fueled by the arrival of high-profile transfers. Jodie Meeks. Gani Lawal. Tony Neysmith. Starters who ended an 0-for-forever state title drought for Norcross, and Martin.
Look, that is how it goes in Georgia. Kids form playing relationships with other kids in summer ball, and then bring their game to a school — and a coach — where they, and their parents, feel talent can be maximized.
It happens across the state, in all sports, and no credible evidence exists showing Norcross is doing anything untoward. Besides, anybody who knows Eddie Martin well at all vouches for his credibility.
And Brenton Butler knows the coach very well. He has been with Martin at Norcross since the start. Friday, Butler — a son of former Falcon Bobby Butler — was as thrilled for Martin as he was for himself.
“Yeah, yeah, most definitely,” the Fordham-bound senior said. “I was here from the beginning. Once coach Martin came, I came my freshman year. For us to have talked about [a championship] since then, it’s good it finally came about.
“It feels extra special because I love him.”
Did you get that? A stud high school athlete publicly vowing his affection for the man who at times has yelled, screamed and cajoled him toward excellence?
“Yeah, yeah, without a doubt,” Butler said. “The guy has helped me through a lot. And I have nothing but respect and love for him and his family.”
Enough to melt a jaded old sports scribe’s hardened heart.
You see, just about when I think all purity has evaporated from high school sports, a kid like Butler — and a team like Norcross — comes along. They really are a nice bunch of kids. Their parents, too.
I can recall Butler as a shaky little freshman, getting mop-up time in the varsity games. You saw athleticism in the kid, but you didn’t see someone who would be a force on an elite basketball team.
At least, I didn’t.
“Oh, it’s unbelievable,” Martin said. “He developed into the leader we needed him to be. As a sophomore, he played backup minutes; got a little taste of it all. His junior year, he stepped up and played even better.
“But this year, he was a calming effect out there. He wasn’t satisfied, and had some things to accomplish.”
Like they say: Good things come to those who wait.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: J.C. Clemons
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By NHS Alum
March 6, 2006 01:43 AM | Link to this
Great story about Coach Martin and Brenton Butler. I remember watching Brenton as a Sophomore as he began to get important minutes on the court. I knew that Brenton was going to be a big time player and “winner” when he showed his leadership in a toughness as a soph. in a tough first round state playoff game, where the star senior of the team had an off night. He has always stepped up, and led the team with his focus and leadership at all times.
Regarding the recruiting issue…Nobody is crazy of the goings on in the state now. But look, only in a perfect world would it not exist. One player moves to another school for one reason or another, and it just became a snowball-effect around the state. Make not mistake about it though, Norcross is a top-notch area for talent. All it took was hiring a top notch atheletic director who cares about all sports (not just football), who in turn hired a great head coach. It is also worth mentioning that Norcross made it to the State Q-finals 2 years ago with a team made up of homegrown talent, and to the semi-finals last year with mostly kids out of the feeder schools.
Brenton Butler could have averaged 20 pts a game for any other team in 7-AAAAA, but he showed his his oommitment and leadership by sharing shots with others. In my book, he’ll always be remembered as the heart of this championship team. Congratulations guys, Go Devils.