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Faith and Free Throws: Jasper Basketball’s Gracen Norris

Having played Upward Basketball beginning in the third grade before transitioning into Park and Recreation competition, middle school, junior varsity, and now varsity action, Jasper sophomore Gracen Norris already has a wealth of on-the-court experience. Now Norris is helping lead the Lady Vikes (19-11) to yet another successful season on the hardwood.

Last season, Norris was a part of the Vikings’ 2023-24 5A state championship roster. Jasper’s season included a perfect 6-0 mark in area play and ended with a 26-game winning streak, highlighted by the Lady Vikings’ 48-44 victory over the Scottsboro Wildcats in the state title game at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Complex (BJCC) back in March.

For Norris, the sport of basketball means hard work, being a great teammate, and constantly finding ways to improve her skills—goals that she finds also fit in very well with her faith.

“Basketball is the one sport I focus on, as teamwork is at the core of its mindset. Finding a teammate for an open three-point shot has its own energy as much as making a lay-up or creating a turnover. Being a great teammate also means working hard to improve yourself as well,” Norris said.

Norris says her faith is tied into everything she wants to accomplish in basketball: it helps her to develop patience while she improves in areas she’s challenged in. Sportsmanship is also key: “It’s something I want to be known for. Helping someone off the floor, staying after practice to clean-up, or simply being there for a teammate who’s struggling displays the type of Christ-like attitude I not only want to spread, but be shared as well.”

Her consummate team attitude has also made an impression on her head coach, Blake Laney. “Gracen is the model student-athlete. She excels in both the classroom and on the court. She is one of the leaders on our team and her teammates look up to her. Above all that she is a high character kid that would do anything in the world to help someone in need. She’s truly someone that people enjoy being around,” Laney said.

Norris’ faith has not only helped her combat challenges on the court, but obstacles she faced in her personal life as well. When covid-19 saw its biggest spike in the early part of the decade, Norris turned God to help guide her through some of life’s roughest storms.

“Sickness went through our family like so many across our country—I lost an uncle to it, which was extremely tough on me and our family,” Norris said. “But God has a plan for everything and I put my faith and trust in him completely. We’ve gotten through those challenges and I’m closer to God because of it.”

While the thrill of winning a state championship proved to be an unforgettable experience, Norris sees her freshman season as what the standard of Jasper Lady Viking Basketball should be. Replacing five seniors from last year’s squad appeared to be daunting, but Norris viewed the challenge as an opportunity for growth.

“Being part of a championship team is such a special experience that few people are able to enjoy – it’s also a motivator to repeat such an experience,” Gracen said. “We want to show that last year’s championship set a standard that we want to continue each time we step onto the court.”

Gracen and the Lady Vikes face Cullman today at 2 p.m. with the season on the line. TG

Photos by Ryan McGill.

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