There’s one thing that Kel Battle tries to do a thousand times a week. He tries to make a thousand three-point shots on the basketball court.
“It’s what I live by…about a thousand makes a week,” Battle says. “I love it.”
That work ethic translated into 1,755 career points and a 21.2 points per game average this season for the Hamilton High School basketball star, etching him into the Aggies’ all-time record books as one of the best players to ever come through the program.
Along the way, Battle was a mainstay on the All-County (2022-25) and All-Area (2022-25) lists, made the North/South All-Star game, and was honorable mention All-State. He was coached by head basketball coach Trey Williams.
Soon, Battle will be taking his shooting talents to Bevill State Community College in Jasper, where he will play for head coach Billy Conner and the Bears. And though he’ll be trading his maroon and white for the blue and green of Bevill State, Battle will never forget the support he received from incredible fans who showed up in droves to cheer on the Aggies.
“We have a great student body that comes out for every event we have, and it’s just a great atmosphere. There’s nothing like it, nothing like playing your rival on a Friday night,” Battle says.
Academics and school involvement are extremely important to Kel, as he carries a 4.23 GPA in the classroom and is involved in Environmental Club, H-Club, Spanish Club, and Technology Student Association (TSA). Commenting on the importance of his studies, Battle says, “It’s really more important than what you do on a basketball court or a football field or a baseball diamond.”
The son of Drew and Heather Battle, Kel says he is keeping his options open on what career he’d like to pursue after he graduates this May, though engineering is certainly an option. He’d like to continue playing basketball for as long as he can and has plans to play at a four-year institution once his time at Bevill has concluded.
Kel says his mom and dad have been his biggest inspiration along the way—“They’ve always been behind me,” he says—and also credits his coaches for his basketball success.
“Everybody here (in Hamilton) is just very supportive,” he adds.
Over the next few weeks, you can bet Kel will be getting plenty of shots up in preparation for joining the Bears’ basketball team in the fall. Forasmuch support as he’s received through the years, he wants to make the town of Hamilton proud as he moves into this next phase of life. TG
A special thanks to our sponsor Carbon Hill Coca-Cola Bottling.
Words and Images by Al Blanton
