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Justin Washington’s only year at Crane was his senior year – but what a season it was. He helped lead the Pirates to the 2014 District title. Coach Dale Lamberth’s team made it to the Class 2 state quarterfinals where they lost by one to Iberia.
Thanks to his electric play, Washington received a chance to continue playing basketball at a junior college in Illinois. But at the beginning of his freshman year, Washington injured his ACL for a second time, and underwent surgery.
“I never knew if I’d play again,” Washington said.
Unable to play, Washington left school and lost his identity. He had a job, but said he was just hanging out and doing nothing productive.
“I wasn’t living the best life I could be living.”
Just when it seemed like Justin lost everything – his everything came into his life.
“A humbling experience, I grew up a lot,” Washington said of the birth of his daughter, London.
“Everything I do is for her, everything in my future is for her. I just wanted to clean my life up and go in a positive direction.”
This past June, with no prospects, Justin summoned the courage to call coach Steve Jenkins at Evangel.
“He said, ‘coach you probably don’t even remember me, I’m Justin Washington,” Jenkins recalled. “I do (remember) you played at Crane.”
Justin’s Crusade led him to the Crusaders. After two and a half years off the court he found a new home – and his heart is thriving again. The 21-year-old Freshman is averaging a double-double this year, 17-points and 10-rebounds per game.
“He’s been a pleasant surprise,” Jenkins said.
“I’m very thankful to everyone who gave me a chance. I thank God everyday I was able to come here, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere but here.”
