The Los Angeles Lakers might have had Kobe Bean Bryant, but White Station High School (WSHS) remains undefeated with the 6 foot 1 inch shooting guard Kobe Bryant (12). WSHS’s Kobe Bryant dropped 26 points and scored a game-tying buzzer-beater against North Atlanta High School, bringing the game to overtime but eventually winning the game 59-55 that day.

“[On that night], he played his game without fear,” Carolyn Bryant, mother of Kobe Bryant, said. “He knew what he was capable of. When he went out on court, he was prepared. It was exciting to see. As a mom, I’d be there recording every score, every shot, every turnover and every rebound.”

Most kids don’t figure out what sport they want to play until elementary or even middle school, but at 1-year-old, Kobe Bryant already found his sport. This passion from a young age helped him open up several opportunities.

“If I could go back to when he was maybe one, we purchased a little basketball goal for him and just from that point on, he loved basketball,” Carolyn Bryant said. “He didn’t want trucks or cars — he always wanted a basketball.”

Over 10 years of playing basketball, Kobe Bryant has always played shooting guard, which helped him maintain consistency in his performance such as shooting, passing and ball handling. He hopes to continue playing this position in college if all works out.

“I love [playing shooting guard],” Kobe Bryant said. “[If I have the] ball [I] have no option but to score.” 

During a basketball game in his sophomore year, Kobe Bryant dislocated his left shoulder and missed eight games because of it. The medical staff helped him popping it back into the proper place.

“It took around six to 10 weeks [to get back into basketball],” Kobe Bryant said. “If I bend my shoulder in a weird position, [I can still feel the pain].”

Kobe Bryant’s parents made a big difference during his recovery time by constantly encouraging him. Their presence and motivation prevented him from quitting basketball during hard times.

“We just try to keep positive thoughts in his head and tell him to keep pushing forward,” Carolyn Bryant said. “A lot of times we just pray about it.”

Becoming a college athlete or even a NBA player requires immense dedication and talent, but even as a high schooler Kobe Bryant gave his all to reach that elite level and this is certainly seen by others. 

“He understands [and does] the work it takes to get to the next level and become as good as he can in this sport,” Danny Bryant, Kobe Bryant’s father, said. 

Besides his parents and coaches, Kobe Bryant looks up to NBA star Anthony Edwards from the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

“A lot of people say I play like and even look like [Edwards],” Kobe Bryant said.

Kobe Bryant maintains a high level of sportsmanship on the court, such as fair play, self-control, teamwork and honesty. Having these traits helps set a good example for younger players who are watching. 

“From what we heard as parents is that he’s very disciplined, coachable and respectful,” Carolyn Bryant said. “What I’ve noticed about Kobe in his game of basketball is that Kobe plays his game effortlessly. He has control on the court. You can’t get him upset or out of his game. I love to see him play, [especially] as a mom. I don’t have to worry about him being enraged or out of control.”

Kobe Bryant has made several buzzer-beating shots, boosting the enthusiasm of the crowd in the stands and showing his ability to perform when it matters the most. With this rate, he continues to make people remember him and talk about his play.

“He’s good with getting in the paint and [when] we’re in the audience, we hear people talking about [him] saying ‘When he takes the shot, he makes it,’” Carolyn Bryant said. 

The radiance of this star player was reflected in the stands and also on the court. Team Captain Tony Chandler (12) commemorates Kobe Bryant’s skills and the energy he brings to the team. 

“Honestly, he’s our best player,” Chandler said. “I definitely see him playing college basketball.”

Even though Chandler and Kobe Bryant have known each other for only two years, they formed a strong bond by cheering each other on and spending time together off the court. 

“As we’re both seniors, he looks up to me and I look up to him,” Chandler said. “I see him as one of my brothers.”