Ben Fox is credited with sparking East Wake's winning streak, which included a record-breaking 50-point performance.

Ben Fox is credited with sparking East Wake’s winning streak, which included a record-breaking 50-point performance.

Although he may not currently hold the top position as scorer on the team, he is not one to stand out during warm ups or receive much attention nationally. However, if you are getting ready to face East Wake’s boys basketball team, it is essential to be familiar with the name Ben Fox.

The Warriors’ guard, Fox, stands at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds. He faced a physical setback in November, December, and part of January, resulting in reduced playing time and lower offensive output. Throughout the season, he maintains an average of 10 points per game.

“He’s a really special kid. I’ve been hard on him about speeding up, I’m trying to get him to play faster, but he’s had me get comfortable with him playing at his pace,” East Wake boys basketball coach Craig Wilson said.

Recently, that rate has also been effective.

On January 10th, Fox achieved his first game with double-digit points of the season. He scored 13 points in a game against West Johnston, which resulted in an 86-56 victory for the Warriors who currently have a record of 17-4. Since that game, Fox has been consistently scoring an average of 17.5 points per game and has only had one game where he did not reach double digits in points.

What has he been doing that’s been effective for him?

Fox stated that he has improved his offensive game by focusing on shooting, creating his own shot, moving without the ball, making backdoor cuts, and taking advantage of transition opportunities.

On January 26, Fox achieved the highest scoring record in school history during a 92-64 victory against Southern Wayne. Fox made 20 out of 33 shots and accumulated a total of 50 points for the Warriors on that evening.

Wilson stated that he was unaware of the numbers possessed by the individual.

During the game, Fox made a shot and Wilson informed another coach, “I believe Ben has roughly 25 points.” However, the statistician corrected, “Actually, coach, he has 46 points.”

Wilson admitted that he was unaware of the large number of points that his teammate had earned. While he knew that the teammate had been scoring, he was surprised by the actual amount. In order to acknowledge and celebrate this achievement, Wilson called a timeout to ensure that his teammate received proper recognition.

With approximately four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Fox reached a total of 50 points, prompting Wilson to remove him from the game.

“I felt great. It was as if God was empowering me to utilize my abilities to their full potential,” Fox stated, acknowledging that he had never had such a successful offensive game before.

Wilson stated that Fox’s skill in scoring on the basketball court is a valuable asset, as well as his ability to remain composed under pressure. Despite being a confident player, Fox maintains control over his emotions.

“Despite his high scoring, he remains stoic and focused on his game. Wilson stated, ‘His emotions will not sway.’ He displays great humility, even as his teammates try to provoke him to curse, he refuses.”

Fox is starting to garner attention from college basketball coaches as well. He was recently offered a spot at College of Charleston, and Wilson reports that other coaches are also expressing interest. Fox is looking forward to receiving more offers, which is a thrilling prospect for him.

Fox expressed satisfaction in achieving the opportunity to play college basketball after dedicating a lifetime of effort towards it.

The boys basketball team of East Wake began the season with a record of 3-4. However, they have now achieved a winning streak of 14 games and currently hold a three-game advantage in the Quad County 3A Conference with an undefeated 11-0 record. They have only three games remaining in the regular season.

The Warriors appear to have a good chance at securing a favorable position in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3A state playoffs. According to Wilson, Fox will play a crucial role if they hope to make a successful run.

Wilson stated that he is a crucial component in our goals and greatly enhances opportunities for others. He plays a significant role in our objectives.

Fox’s 50-point game ranks tied for 65th in the NCHSAA record book alongside 12 other players. The state’s highest scoring game record is currently held by Paul McNeil Jr. of Richmond with 71 points, which was achieved just a few days prior to Fox’s impressive performance.

The highest number of points scored in Wake County is 60, achieved by John Byrne from Wake Forest in 1968. According to the NCHSAA record book, Fox’s performance ranks as the 6th best in Wake County’s history.

The top performance by a male basketball player from Wake County since 1991 was achieved by Fox, who scored 50 points in a game. Garner’s Donald Williams and Enloe’s LeVelle Moton (now the coach for N.C. Central University’s men’s basketball team) also had impressive games with 55 and 52 points scored, respectively.

Source: highschoolot.com