Plaquemine Guard Pushing Forward

Ron Bailey, Publisher

March 26, 2008 – Located in Louisiana’s Iberville Parrish, Plaquemine has long been known as a town located in the southern portion of the state boasting friendly people and great cuisine, all a short distance for both Baton Rouge and pristine bayou. From a sports perspective, former NFL player Brian Mitchell played at Plaquemine High School and previous motocross champ Yancy Guerin was born in the town.

Though much time and development is necessary to put him in such luminous company, Plaquemine resident, junior combo guard Terrell Ellwood has the chance to become a special ballplayer. His high school coach, James Papillion, sees the potential, and is committed to developing it.

Terrell Ellwood excels his studies and basketball.

“I do” said Papillion of Ellwood, a standout on his St. John’s of Plaquemine High School squad, when asked if the young man has definite Division I talent. “I just told him he is getting comfortable, and has to push himself right now”.

That’s not to infer Terrell doesn’t work hard, as even though his high school season is over, one that saw him drop 26 points a game in addition to around eight assists and rebounds apiece per contest, the 6’1”, 165 pound all around player engages in two hour workouts, three times weekly; Papillion simply believes young people must be pushed to excel, as doing so will prepare them for an increasingly challenging world.

Ellwood, who owns a 3.0 GPA and on the hardwood has already earned All-District honors (as was done last year), and may garner All-State and All-Metro accolades as well, is on the radar of a number of schools.

“Louisiana-Lafayette has called and come out” shared Papillion of his star player’s recruitment. Northwest Louisiana has also shown interest, while Southern Illinois has sent mail.

That list certainly will grow.

“He dribbles the ball well, and handles the ball very well. It takes two defenders (to guard him) outlined Papillion, of Ellwood’s skill set and impact. “He’s a good rebounder; he gets in there and hustles.

Ellwood can play both guard positions.

“We like getting him the ball on the wing. He’s an all around player who does it inside and can do it outside”.

When asked to define his basketball strong point, Ellwood responded in his laid back, low key manner “Getting to the rack and finishing”.

What does he feel needs to improve upon? “I can improve on my three point shooting” honestly shared Ellwood.

Papillion, ever the task master, added improving his defense, which “is one area he’s not as consistent. I told him a couple of weeks ago; he needs to step it up in that”.

In addition to the exhausting personal workouts, Ellwood plans on further developing his game with the Mike Miller All Star travel team. Having successfully played for that organization last year on the 16 and under circuit, Terrell is “looking forward to it again” including having to try out again, a must for that program. Obviously a year older, Ellwood anticipates the 17 and under classification battles that certainly will come.

Given the importance of this year’s upcoming travel team and high school seasons hold for him, Terrell revealed “I’ll probably wait until the second signing period” next year to make his decision. That means coaches not only in the Bayou State but elsewhere have a chance to recruit him.

The program that does will get a multi-faceted player capable of impacting a school on and off the hardwood.

But they better jump to it.