By Shannon Fagan, WEIS Sports Director
GAYLESVILLE – Gaylesville boys basketball coach Kolby Brannon said he jokes with senior guard Tanner Eads about him throwing for more yards in basketball than he did in football. Eads is also the Trojan quarterback in football.
It’s those passes in basketball and Eads knowing his role on the court that helped get him noticed by the University of Mobile.
On Monday afternoon, Eads signed a scholarship with the NAIA Rams. In 30 games for Gaylesville last season, Eads averaged 8.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, four assists, 3.9 steals and almost a block per contest.
“I figured out I didn’t need to score to help our team win,” Eads said. “That’s what I want to do, help our team win in any possible way. I just want to do what I can.”
Gaylesville coach Kolby Brannon, who just completed his first season with the Trojans, said he’s proud Eads has the chance to continue playing basketball.
“It’s a big deal for him to go on and play,” Brannon said. “Me and Tanner have a very special relationship. With me coaching all the sports, I’m around him all the time. I’ve been on him since the middle of the summer since I got here. I treat him like a little brother, and I’m proud like an older brother for him.
“These guys have worked their butts off, and to see one of them sign is exciting.”
Eads won’t be the only player from the Northeast Alabama area to be playing in Mobile. Coosa Christian shooting guard Jacoby Tucker also recently signed with the Rams.
“We’re ready,” Eads said of joining Tucker on the team. “We’ve been talking about it ever since we’ve known we both got a scholarship. (Mobile) Coach (Trent) Short is excited about it too. We know each other well. We have good chemistry and everything. We’ve been talking about getting dorms together so we can get up early and go to work.”
Brannon also coached Tucker when the two were both at Gadsden City. He feels Eads and Tucker having each other to lean on down in Mobile will be invaluable.
“It makes things a lot easier when you transition down with somebody you know,” Brannon said. “(Jacoby’s) another kid I love to death. Jacoby can play. He gave us issues this year. We knew every time going in we’ve got to try and find a way to stop Jacoby. I’m proud for both of them, excited for both of them.”
Eads said it’s bittersweet for him to be winding down his high school career, but he’s excited what lies for him down the road.
“I’m sad for high school to be ending, but at the same time, I don’t have to quit (basketball) yet. I get to keep playing,” he said. “They looked like they were ready for me to come down there and see what I can do. I’m very excited to show my talents to people who have never seen me before.”