Central’s four-year starter Keion Epps and head coach Jordan Epps get asked one question quite often.
“No we are not related at all, just coincidence,” Jordan said. “I joke with somebody sometimes because I like to consider myself a good basketball player and that he got it from me.”
Keion is leading his team with an average 17.8 points per game and 6.8 assists per game. On Wednesday night, he became Central’s all-time leader in points scored. The point guard has come a long way since his freshman year.
“My first game I was very nervous, I don’t think I scored,” Keion said. “I had maybe took one three [pointer] and a layup and I missed both.”
Keion makes those shots look easy now and by his junior year they were going down as a part of history for Central boys basketball.
“We have lost first round of districts both [freshman and sophomore] years, so it was very fun and exciting to be in state ’cause we haven’t been there yet,” Keion said.
Some athletes never get to experience a state run, let alone the Tournament of Champions (TOC). But Keion did, twice.
“You wouldn’t think it was that big until you’re playing in [the TOC],” Keion said. “Playing in front of 10-thousand people.”
Before taking the court at the TOC he was one of the ten-thousand fans.
“I always went when I was younger,” Keion said. “I used to always get autographs and stuff like that, so it felt good for like when I was playing a lot of kids get autographs of me and ask for pictures and stuff.”
He continues to be an idol for the kids in the community.
“I help coaching at the Fieldhouse sometimes,” Keion said.
Showing first to third graders how to ball on the court.
So make it two Coach Epps here in Springfield.
“These kids don’t realize how much of an impact they make on the community, especially the youth,” Jordan said. “When I see him out coaching and doing that, it’s just great.”
