‘His shot is so pure.’ Why is this MS Coast basketball star flying under the radar?
Roaming the halls of a small, 384-student school in Gulfport is a sharp-shooting guard who has miffed opposing coaches for years.
He is a lethal outside scorer from Christian Collegiate Academy that sets ablaze just about every court he steps on.
Nathan Patrick is likely the best South Mississippi hooper you’ve never heard of.
He’s led the Bulldogs to the MAIS 4A, district 5 title for the third straight season and is putting up an average of 17 points per game.
The senior is no stranger to high-level competition, either, as he’s played two of the more talented public schools on the Coast.
Patrick torched the Oscar Hampton-led Vancleave squad with six made three-pointers and 20 points. Before that he poured in 16 against Pearl River Central at the Hub City Classic in December.
“It means a lot to me (to play them),” Patrick told the Sun Herald. “I wish we could get them even more.”
In between those performances against MHSAA schools, Patrick lit up region foe Amite School Center for 40 points in a 73-38 win. Christian Collegiate head coach Tim Georgian got to witness the outing from the sideline.
“Man, it was great,” Georgian said. “Everything was pure, fresh. His shot is so pure.”
Georgian credits Patrick’s game and attitude to the Bulldogs’ success in recent years.
“He’s really turned the program around,” Georgian said. “He has great work ethic. He’s just a competitor. He competes. Passes well, shoots well. Great, high character kid.”
Patrick is more well-rounded than his jumper suggests, with great vision and ball handling ability to keep defenders off balance. He’s quick to put the ball on the floor and create a floater opportunity or dish it off to the Bulldogs’ primary big, Hans Jackson.
But even Patrick knows what the big ticket to his game is: “I’m a shooter.” Georgian almost expects three points to be added to the scoreboard when the ball leaves Patrick hands.
“It’s a beautiful thing,” Georgian said. “Every time he goes up I pretty much think it’s going in.”
Patrick and the Bulldogs are ready to take aim at the playoffs now. Last season’s run in the postseason ended in the second round at the hands of state power Madison-Ridgeland.
Madison-Ridgeland is once again regarded as one of the top programs in the state regardless of class, but Patrick believes his team can find its way to the finish line.
“I think we’re ready,” Patrick said. “We’re prepared. I think we’re going all the way to state.”
The 4A state tournament is scheduled to begin Feb. 14
