Valuable lessons

BASILE -- At every high school there are those athletes that are mentioned every time the alumni get together and talk about who was the greatest of all time.
When those alumni get together at Basile High School, one name will most definitely be at the top of everyone’s list. That name is Andre ‘Bubba’ Reed.
The 2018 Evangeline Parish Most Valuable Defensive Player has most certainly earned that honor. Reed has not only received the parish MVP title for the second year in a row, but the wily linebacker has also earned the District 4-1A Defensive Most Valuable Player award in that same time span.
On top of that, Reed has also been honored with being named to the offensive and defensive first teams for the parish and district for the second year in a row!! Now if that does not stir up the Bearcat alumni, nothing else will.
This past season Reed collected over 100 tackles and has produced more than 200 tackles during the course of his junior and senior seasons. While putting up tremendous numbers on the defensive side of the ball, Reed has also rushed for just beyond 2,000 yards as a running back.
So, exactly what was it that has motivated Reed to become one of the greatest gridiron players in Evangeline Parish history? Reed says being the best for his team is the mitigating factor in his success.
“I want us to be the best team possible, and if it takes me giving everything I have, then so much the better,” stated Reed. “We have been to the playoffs in three of the years that I played here. Every year I wanted us to be better than the year before. So for me, working hard and maybe showing the younger guys what hard work is gets us to that goal.”
This past year, the Bearcats had one of their finest, going 8-2 during the course of the regular season and making it to the third round of the playoffs. Reed acknowledges that this campaign felt a whole lot different than the previous three, especially being a senior leader.
“Just knowing it was my last year and that I would not have another chance to play high school football, made everything more important,” commented Reed. “I found there was more pressure on me to perform, because this is the year that the fans would remember me by. So going out strong was always on the back of my mind.”
One factor that made for a better all around senior year for Reed was the fact that Basile came into the season with a ton of experience. A fast start led to expediting team after team during the last eight games of Reed’s career.
“We definitely had more experience behind us this season,” said Reed. “When we were able to get Jay (Pitre) to come in after transferring, it allowed us to mover other players into better spots. That made our defense a whole defense and allowed us to play a lot looser.”
One of the regrets that Reed has as he finishes his career is not taking out the Bearcat’s most bitter rival, St. Ed’s, over the past three seasons. Even speaking of the losses, Reed tends to get a little frustrated.
“I had to hear that we couldn’t beat them from my whole family after the game my junior season,” Reed said bitterly. “So this year, I wanted to prove them wrong and at least go 2-2 against them. I take this game as a big deal because both sets of players are always bragging about who has the best team. I think this game is huge for both us and them.”
One of the most valuable lessons Reed learned came from not his playing time but from those who came before him. Reed knows that without the guidance and tutelage of those seniors that came from before him, he would not be the player he is today.
“I think one of the biggest reasons that Basile has been so successful over the past years has been because of the tradition we have built here,” said Reed. “Each freshman class learns how to become winner from their seniors and each year that is carried on to the next class. I just hope our group of seniors were able to show the freshman what it takes to be one of the best programs around. I always wanted to leave a legacy to the younger players.”
Now that his high school playing career is over, Reed hopes to continue playing football on the next level.
“Right now my only offer has been from Louisiana College,” stated Reed. “I just want the chance to play somewhere, it does not matter to me. But, most importantly, I just want the chance to get a college education. I plan on majoring in sports medicine and becoming a physical therapist.”
Somebody, anybody, please give this gifted athlete and person a chance!!!!