Coleman making own name as a member of the Chargers

It's not easy being the son of a coach and it doesn't add to the battle that an athlete has when that coach's athletic career has him cemented among the greats at the school.

At the same time, players like Zavier Coleman can count themselves blessed to have the wisdom and the genetics that he's gathered from his dad Shaston. The younger Coleman is making his own way as a player while his dad assists head coach Gary Beals on the bench for the Choctaw County Chargers. Shaston played basketball for Ackerman Indians nearly 30 years ago and is watching his son come up at his high school and reap the rewards of hard work.

His high school career is still in the infant stages, but Coleman looked like a real difference maker for the Chargers. He blistered the nets from long range with a 7-for-10 night in a 6755 win over rival Eupora, leading himself to OCH Regional Medical Center Athlete of the Week honors.

“He's a sophomore that's come on lately and has been knocking down some shots for us," Beals said. "He's nothing flashy, he just comes to practice and he shoots the basketball. Early in the year, he was trying to do too much off the dribble and we got him to look for his shots more and I think that's really helped.”

Coleman has found his rhythm inside the Chargers' lineup over the year after he had to run some point guard with Kendall Coleman out. Since Kendall has returned, Zavier is in his element with the role of outside shooter.

Teams have tried to game plan against Kendall and other playmakers in the offense and he's been able to capitalize from distance. Coleman has been averaging around 10 points this season but is up to 20 or more points three times since Christmas break, including that career night of 27 against the Eagles.

“When he gets the opportunity, I need him to make some shots outside," Beals said. "I think he's got a lot of potential. He's a coach's kid with a lot of pressure on him. Me and his dad have talked to him about relaxing and playing within himself. He was trying to do too much instead of concentrating on one aspect. Now, he's really come into his own and has his best basketball ahead of him.”