Athletes Of The Week: Roderick Benjamin

During his time at Rosewood High School, Roderick Benjamin has had a steady stream of impressive performances on the basketball court. Still, perhaps the best impressive thing about the senior is his leadership.

When the Eagles are playing, Benjamin leads the Eagles with his impeccable technique and impressive composure. Several players contribute to a good basketball team, but without Benjamin’s leadership, the Eagles may not have been as successful on the basketball court.

Since Benjamin, who started playing basketball in the fourth grade, joined the Eagles, they have gone 27-3 in the Carolina 1A Conference, and this season, Benjamin is averaging 14.2 points, five rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

“We have a great staff, and my team and friends are like a family,” Benjamin said. “They push me to play harder.

“Coach Mitchell (Rosewood head coach Daniel Mitchell) is the best coach I know. He tells us everything we need to know, and I think he’s the coach of the year,” Benjamin said.

For some basketball players, scoring many points and having a good individual game would be a reason to celebrate, but Benjamin is not your typical player.

He holds himself to a high standard, and the team’s success is what is most important to him.

Athletes are often their own harshest critics, and Benjamin will remind his teammates that he has their backs, and with his teammates supporting him, the Eagles’ energy and teamwork has been unleashed over the past few seasons.

“I love our communication because that’s what is going to take us farther,” Benjamin said.

One of those leadership moments came in a game against Lakewood on Monday, when the Eagles let an early lead slip away. Benjamin remained composed and helped the Eagles get the win while scoring 22 points.

Benjamin does not flinch during the tensest moments of the game, and he makes plays when they matter most, and Benjamin and his teammates work cohesively to win games.

“I’ve become more patient in letting the game come to me. Sometimes you rush it, but I let the game come to me and look for my teammates for open shots,” Benjamin said.

The Eagles are having another good season, and Benjamin is a big reason why, and if he continues to play well, the Eagles know they have a chance to beat anyone.