For many young athletes, the journey to playing basketball at the college level requires the maturity to be able to move away from your family and friends, and basically start a new life in a new place. But Donnovan Breech, a standout basketball player from Portsmouth High School, got the opportunity to stay home and still play college ball. Playing basketball at Shawnee State University has given Breech an uncommon chance to grow as a person and player, all while remaining close to his roots.
Growing up in Portsmouth, Breech had the dream of playing college basketball. Only about 3.6% of high school basketball players get the opportunity to play at the next level, according to the NCAA. The transfer portal and the extra years of eligibility many players get make it nearly impossible for high school kids to get a chance. So, when Breech got the opportunity to stay home and play in his backyard, he was excited. The chance to continue his athletic career at Shawnee State was a defining moment for him, and his decision to pursue it will allow him to stay close to his family while still chasing his dreams.
“It was a great opportunity because I got to stay at home and be close to family and still be able to play the sport that I love,” Breech said, reflecting on his decision to stay in Portsmouth. The chance to represent his hometown at the next level felt like the perfect combination of comfort and motivation, really giving Breech the best of both worlds.
“My family just really wanted to see me go anywhere to play at the next level, but they were really happy when they found out that I had the chance to go to Shawnee because that meant they could come to all the home games,” he explained. Being able to play in front of the people who basically helped build your confidence and constantly support you must be an amazing feeling for Breech, knowing he still has his people behind him.
Understanding that staying close to home has its own positives and negatives and comes with its own set of challenges, Breech views the experience as a benefit. For him, the proximity to his family and the ability to maintain the sense of being home has been priceless.
‘The benefit I got being able to go to college in my hometown was really that I still get to see my family whenever,” he said. “It’s not that far and I can still go home whenever I have free time.”
Staying close to home has allowed Breech to maintain a strong level of connection with his family, something that sometimes fades when a young person leaves home. This creates a sense of steadiness and balance between the demands of college life and the presence of loved ones. For Breech, the ability to lean on his family when things may be uncomfortable in the classroom or on the court means a lot to him and helps him stay level-headed when things get difficult.
As Breech begins his four-year career here at Shawnee State, he also gets to continue to carry his pride of his hometown with him every time he steps onto the court, and even every time he prepares for a test in the classroom. His journey is a testament to the power of community and family, the benefits of staying true to your roots and proving that sometimes staying home can be an amazing decision.
Jeff Lisath • Oct 21, 2024 at 9:55 am
Such a great young man, I was blessed to coach him during his senior high school season and admired his dedication, attitude and commitment to the team. We are constantly texting each other as he navigates through his freshman college experiences. SSU certainly picked a good one!!!