Hard work, raw talent and lots of practice are propelling Elijah Crawford to the top of his game.
The Augusta Christian Schools’ sophomore has played varsity basketball since eighth grade and has been named an all-region performer. As a freshman, he was the South Carolina Independent Schools Association player of the year, and just over the summer won the Nike Peach Jam with his Skill Factory teammates.
Crawford is modest about his accomplishments.
“Just working hard, every day,” said Crawford. “And love for the game.”
His coach, Brandon Dotson, does not deny Crawford’s rigorous efforts nor his passion for the sport.
“He’s a very coachable young man,” said Dotson. “Loves his teammates, and he respects the game. He’s not asking for anything to be handed to him, he works for everything that he gets.”
However, Dotson is quick to stress Crawford’s dedication in tandem with sheer talent and potential. Crawford boasts his current record at just 16 years old, and Dotson notes that his IQ for the game itself is evolving.
“He has not reached his ceiling,” said Dotson. “He’s already above his peers, and he’s still developing, which is scary.”
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Crawford arrived as a student at Augusta Christian the same year Dotson arrived as a coach. Dotson has been keenly aware of Crawford’s devotion and commitment, which Dotson says makes him a good teammate who can lead and galvanize other players.
Dotson believes Crawford’s participation in the Amateur Athletic Union and his performance during the Nike EYBL Peach Jam, in conjunction with the current season, will provide him a chance to really shine as his abilities are exposed on a national level.
“That opportunity is a great one for him to showcase his skill set, not against his age at AAU, but against other juniors and seniors,” said Dotson. “That’s what’s going to separate him from other guys.”
Crawford takes his books as seriously as basketball, both he and his coach note, as he is also a straight-A student with a 3.95 grade point average.
Crawford, who started playing basketball in second grade, traces his drive, perseverance and ultimately his skill to when he a kid striving to get better.
“When I was younger, I wasn’t that good,” said Crawford. “So, I made it my goal to be better than anybody else, and just stuck with it.”
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering Columbia County with The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
