TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Porter Leads On, Off Court

ADVERTISEMENT

By JOHN CEBALLOS

jceballos@tampatrib.com

Published: December 24, 2008

GIBSONTON - Fred Porter is a starter for the East Bay High School varsity boys' basketball team and plays quarterback for the varsity football squad.

However, Porter hasn't lost sight of what's most important.

"I know it's a lot more important for me to work on my school work than it is to work on my jump shot," Porter said.

That hasn't stopped the sophomore from excelling on the court.

The forward-center is averaging 15.8 points per game, and after four games, the Indians are 1-3 after a Dec. 9 home victory over Plant City.

"He's got a 3.6 GPA, and he's the leading scorer on our team and one of the leading scorers in the district," said Coach Stan Conley.

Porter was born in Mississippi but has been in Apollo Beach since he was 6. He has been playing basketball since age 9, including the last two seasons at East Bay.

"I like football and I like basketball, but I like basketball a little bit more because, for me, it's a little more competitive," Porter said.

He also admits that balancing his school work with his athletic commitments can be challenging.

"I have a couple of different ways that I deal with everything I have to do, but my school work always comes first," Porter said.

Though it's still relatively early in his high school career, he's considering attending Florida State University. But he's undecided about what he wants to study.

He's also unsure about playing at the collegiate level.

"I'm just going to keep playing sports in high school, and if someone wants to offer me a scholarship, then that's great," Porter said. "But I'm not going to count on that, and I'm going to stay focused on school."

GET TO KNOW

WHO: Fred Porter
AGE: 15

SCHOOL: East Bay High School
GRADE: 10th

SPORTS: Basketball and football

FUTURE PLANS: Is considering attending Florida State University, but is undecided about college major.

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT