Clayton News Daily

Photo by Derrick Mahone Eric Wortham of Eagle's Landing averaged a team-leading 14.8 points as the Golden Eagles had consecutive trips to the Class AAA final four.

Player question and answer

Question: What was this season’s highlight?

Answer: “Winning Region 4-AAA Player of the Year. It showed me that all my hard work and dedication was starting to pay off.”

Q: How did you improve your game this season?

A: “Being more aggressive on offense at all times. Last year, sometimes I would fall asleep on the court and just watch the game. But this year, I think I stayed aggressive during the whole game.”

Q: What was your biggest challenge?

A: “When I couldn’t play in the [Class AAA] Final Four against the team (Columbia) I wanted to beat. It’s not going to do anything but make me better.”

On Wortham

Vitals: The 6-foot-4 junior forward averaged 14.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game to help Eagle’s Landing return to the Class AAA semifinals. Wortham missed the quarterfinals and semifinals after suffering a seizure at school.

Why Wortham: On a team loaded with talent, Wortham found a way to stand out. Down the stretch in a tight game, he became the Golden Eagles’ go-to scorer, and was named Region 4-AAA Player of the Year.

Others considered: Dutchtown’s Donovahn Jones averaged 19 points, leading the Bulldogs back to the state tournament. Henry County forward Dre Soulder averaged a double-double for the Warhawks on the way the Class AAA quarterfinals.

Coach Clay Crump on Wortham: “Eric was a great leader for us. He was our speaking captain and really was the one who huddled the guy’s up and started practice. To be so good, he was very unselfish. He put others before himself, but still knew when to be aggressive. His all-around game got better.”

Where are they now: Last year’s winner, Stockbridge forward Dante Campbell, is a full-time student at Georgia State.