Talented high school basketball player's uphill battle | Community Spirit

Growing up in Orange Mound is an uphill battle for many. But despite facing his share of roadblocks, K.C. Goodwin has fought through and has an inspiring message for all.

“I think he’s a scorpion. I think he’s an endangered species," said Melrose boy's basketball coach Jermaine Johnson.

"Today’s America don’t want to see a young man like that who comes from the inner city,” he said.

Goodwin, a senior point guard at Melrose High School, was hit with catastrophe just over a year ago.

“I was at practice one day, and someone had run in the gym and said, 'Everyone’s sitting outside and your house is on fire,'" said Goodwin.

"So I ran home. They said lighting had struck the house and all of my stuff got burnt up," he said. 

Having lost almost everything in the fire, Goodwin had to borrow school supplies, clothes and even shoes from friends and supporters. And soon after this disaster, he suffered another major blow. This time, it was the loss of his grandmother.

“I think that’s why she passed away. She was stressing over the house cause we’d lived there so long.”

While restoring his late grandmother’s house, Goodwin and his family were forced to stay with his older sister. In the face of such adversity and in a situation where many would fold, he’s raised the bar.

“Through that experience in his life, his character was revealed," Johnson said. 

"His character displayed that of a fighter, a scorpion, a pit-bull, that guy that can handle adversity. And turn that adverse situation into a mountain-top experience," he continued. 

Goodwin’s done just that. As an honor-roll student and a high-level basketball player, he’s earned a full-ride scholarship to Southern Illinois University.

“I take my education serious. I think about life after basketball. I use basketball as a tool to get my education, a free education. And I’m gonna use my advantage to that.”

For a young man who lost everything, Goodwin remains positive and continues to push forward.

“I’m blessed to be here. Tomorrow’s not promised. I just come hard and work hard every day,” said Goodwin.

K.C. Goodwin and the Melrose Golden Wildcats will open the 2012-2013 season with the MIAA jamboree on Thursday, Nov. 15. Tip-off will be at 7:45 p.m. against Mitchell High School.