Competitive nature draws Hayden Jarrett to Marietta
NEWTON TOWNSHIP — Hayden Jarrett backs down from no challenge.
The Maysville senior relied on his competitive nature to become the first All-Ohioan in the history of the boys basketball program and was voted the Muskingum Valley League, District 12 and East District Player of the Year.
After a memorable season of leading the Panthers to a district title and a regional tournament appearance, Jarrett will continue his career on the court after signing his letter of intent to play for Division III Marietta College on Thursday.
The Pioneers reached the Final Four two seasons ago and will return several contributors from this year's 17-11 squad.
"There were a few other places I considered, but knowing how competitive they've been sold me," Jarrett said. "It's a stress relief to get this done. I thought a lot about it, but my style fits down there. They also have a brotherhood, similar to what we've built here. They care for each other, and that was another reason I wanted to go there."
Jarrett improved his 3-point shooting and was one of the area's top scorers with nearly 22 points per game. He also elevated the play of his teammates and displayed his talent in all facets of the game.
Losing a talent of Jarrett's caliber will be tough, noted Maysville coach Dave Brown. He credited Jarrett for setting the example and becoming the player others strive to be.
Jarrett will be the first player Brown has coached that will compete on the college level.
"He fits what Coach Jon VanderWal does (at Marietta). He likes big, physical guards who can shoot the 3. He will be able to compete in the OAC (Ohio Athletic Conference), and they have a program expected to compete for OAC titles," Brown said. "Hayden's a natural leader and the most competitive kid I've coached. I've seen it the past four years with all the time he has put in the gym and with his teammates.
"Our juniors coming back want to be like Hayden, and you can see what his presence has meant with how our numbers have grown in the youth program," he added. "We created this culture because of players like him. It's hard turning the page without him because Hayden was another coach out there. He's like a son to me."
Brown and assistant coach Jared Cox are among many who have positively influenced Jarrett. He has appreciated their assistance and guidance during his high school career.
"They helped me on the court, but their focus went beyond basketball," Jarrett said. "They wanted us to be better people as much as they wanted us to be good basketball players. They've instilled the core values I will take with me to Marietta."
Jarrett, who will major in education, understands what lies ahead as he aims to battle for playing time as a freshman. He also knows the importance of being able to practice with an experienced group and how that can benefit him during his college career.
"You develop a toughness when you are getting a fight for your opponents every night. It will be the same there," Jarrett said. "I'm hoping I can get my chance, and I know it's not going to be easy. But, being able to face those guys in practice every day will make me better."
bhannahs@gannett.com; @brandonhannahs
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Competitive nature draws Jarrett to Marietta
