BLACKSVILLE – Two seasons ago, Preston Luzader played a key part in a Class A semifinal run for the Clay-Battelle boys’ basketball team as a sophomore.
That experience was one he says he still holds onto and one that is pushing him to work hard to help lead his team back to Charleston this year after failing to return after a top-four finish.
After averaging 20 points and 12 rebounds last season as a junior and earning all-state honorable mention honors, Luzader enters his final season in Blacksville with big goals, both individually and for his team.
“First and foremost, we want to make it back to Charleston,” Luzader said. “We feel like we have the team for it, and personally I think we are one of the two best teams in our region. Two years ago when we made our run to the semis was one of the best seasons of basketball I’ve ever had and I know how special it was for me. There’s nothing more that I want to do than help my teammates get to experience playing at states and making some noise while there.”
Along with the goals he has for the Cee-Bees season, Luzader has some individual accomplishments in his sights also.
“Becoming the all-time leading scorer for the program is something I have my eye on,” he said. “I’m right around 250 points away from that mark I believe. Another big milestone I would like to hit is 1,000 rebounds. That’s something I’ve been keeping track of and something I take pride in. I also want to continue getting as many looks as I can from different colleges. I’ve talked to and visited some amazing places but still have a few on my radar I’d like to earn an offer from.”
Luzader will spend this season without first-team all-state selection Colby Barr, who graduated last year. The duo were nearly impossible to stop down low together and without his partner in the paint, Luzader will need to adjust his game to fill the gap when needed.
“It’s definitely different not having Colby out there to control the paint most of the time,” he said. “That’s something I’ve had to adjust to quickly. We may not be as deep as we were last season but I think being able to allow our guards to have more space outside and shoot the ball more will help take some pressure off of the team offensively.”
Playing travel basketball most of his life is something Luzader says has been crucial in his development and readiness when it comes to playing during the school season.
“I’ve played some great competition coming up through the AAU circuit growing up,” he said. “That time of the year is when you can really find out what part of your game you are best at and where you need to improve. Playing travel ball has been huge for me and my game. You go and play some really strong competition over the summer and it prepares you well for the season with your school team when it’s time.”
Regardless of how his senior year plays out, Luzader will always be proud of the fact that he is a Cee-Bee, and gets to represent his community by doing what he loves.
“Being able to represent our school is special to me,” he said. “I feel like younger kids can see me being successful and it gives them an example of where they can go if they work hard and set their goals high. I’ve thought about what it would be like playing at a bigger school, but honestly I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else or wear any other jersey than this one. I’m proud to represent Clay-Battelle and be a Cee-Bee.”
