The above question was posed in the headline on
the sports page of the Clarksburg newspaper following another
outstanding performance on the court by the quiet, but prolific,
scorer for the Doddridge County High School Bulldogs during the
West Virginia high school basketball season. I would like to write
a few words in answer to this question.
Curtis Ash is the oldest son of Galen and Becky
Ash, members of the Salem church of Christ. Curtis is also a member
of the Lord's church, having been baptized into Christ on April
27, 2004. His younger brother is Cody, who will be in the eighth
grade at Doddridge Middle School next year.
Curtis graduated from Doddridge County High on
May 30, 2004. During his four years of high school basketball,
he has compiled an impressive record and has provided some of
the most thrilling and exciting moments of basketball of his school's
athletic history.
Although not tall by current high school standards
(5-10), Curtis, playing the guard position, was, many times, unstoppable
by his on-court opponents. He was often double - and even triple
teamed, but, somehow, he was able to work himself free for a shot
and, amazingly, was often able to score. One opposing team's coach
was quoted as saying, "Ash just hit some unbelievable shots
for them. It wasn't like we weren't playing good defense. The
basket looked like an ocean to him." His own coach said of
him, "Curtis will find a way to score whether it is on the
foul line or in the open floor. He comes up with a sneaky 20 or
30 points consistently." His high score per game was 42 points.
He averaged 27 points a game during his Junior and Senior years
and broke his school's all-time scoring record during his senior
year.
Curtis was a three-year letterman in basketball.
During his high school career he was selected two times to the
First-Team Class "A" All-State basketball team. He was
also selected Little Kanawha Conference Player of the Year and
was nominated as a McDonald's All-American. This year he was an
all-star on the West Virginia team, playing in the third annual
Battle Against Cystic Fibrosis Basketball Classic at Parkersburg.
In addition to basketball, Curtis is also an avid
fisherman and hunter. While in high school, he was active in the
Archery Club and was a two-year letterman in Cross Country. He
also studied the masonry trade at United Technical Center.
Who is Curtis Ash? The achievements listed above
help answer the question, but they are not the whole answer. Curtis
has faithfully attended the services of the church all of his
life and, from a child, has known the holy scriptures that have
made him wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15. He is a good student, working hard for
his teachers. He is a faithful son, helping his father in the
family business for several years. He is a quiet, unassuming young
man with a heart of gold a heart full of faith, strong resolution,
and commitment. It is not surprising that he was selected male
Student of the Month in April by his school.
We are thankful for Curtis and for all of our
young people who are walking worthy of their Christian vocation
in the footsteps of Jesus, their Lord and Saviour. In this season
of graduation and of making decisions for life, our thoughts and
prayers go with them. We bid them God speed. Editor.