Odomes named TABC All-State

By TJ MAXWELL

Cove Leader-Press

Copperas Cove senior Rashard Odomes has wracked up many accolades in his four years as a starter for the Bulldawgs but the latest honor puts the exclamation point on his career. Days after being named to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Region II-6A All-Region Team, along with Ellison’s Shannon Bogues, Harker Heights’ C.J. Bobbitt and Shoemakers’ Torenzo Saunders, Odomes was selected to the TABC All-State Team. “It’s a good way to end it,” said Odomes. “In my time here at Cove, I learned a lot. Coach (Billy White Jr.) taught me a lot and it seems like the perfect way to end my career. It’s really big knowing Cove history. It’s a great accomplishment. I’m not really satisfied; I just have to keep working.” Odomes averaged a double- double as a senior. He averaged 25.2 points per game and 12.4 rebounds per game and shot 58 percent from the field. He also averaged 4.8 assists and 2.7 steals per game. “That’s great,” said coach White upon learning Odomes made the all-district squad in a phone interview Thursday morning. “He’s deserving of it. He is definitely an all-state caliber player.” White, who was in the middle of moving at the time of the interview, was re-energized by the news. “It’s a huge accomplishment,” he said. I’m ecstatic right now. I’m in the process of moving houses right now and this just gave me a whole new burst of energy. I know how hard he’s worked and I know the talent he has. I was a little nervous because I know a lot of times kids in this area get overlooked. I was hoping that wouldn’t be the case and that he’d done enough and shown enough to all the other coaches around the state.” Odomes was one of 20 6A players in the entire state to be recognized with the honor and the only player from District 12-6A. “There is tons of talent from this area,” said White. “There were a few kids from the KISD schools that made the All-Region Team as well. Him being recognized as All-State when those aren’t, it speaks volumes of the caliber player he is.” Odomes agrees. He feels District 12-6A is one of the top districts in the state. “I feel like 12-6A is one of the toughest district there is,” he said. “I feel like we are one of the top five districts in the state and there’s a lot of talent. No game is an easy game.” White knows this honor will feed the program. “It’s huge for the program. To have an all-state player come from Copperas Cove basketball, it’s great. He has done so much for the program in the four years – helping us get in the playoffs and win a playoff game – none of that stuff happened before he got to high school. He’s been a huge catalyst of that and I couldn’t be more proud than I am now.” “He’s going to (Oklahoma University) and participating in the Big 12, that’s huge in itself,” added White. “For him to come out and do the things he’s done over his career is huge. I’m so proud of that kid for everything he’s done and I’m appreciate everything he’s done as well. I think the things that he’s done, there’s going to be more to come from other kids behind him. A lot of kids look up to him. He opened the door for a lot of kids by doing what he’s done for the past four years.” White will be watching Oklahoma and the rest of the field of 64 in the March Madness college basketball playoffs, but he expects to be watching Odomes this time next year. “I definitely do,” he said. “I had a conversation with him about a week or so ago. He just has to continue to work and do the things he’s done to get to this point, but I definitely expect him to be in the dance next year. We’ll be sitting back and checking him out like we’re going to sit back and check out these March Madness games. Hopefully, we can fill the bracket out where he’s winning the whole thing next year.” Odomes hopes to get that opportunity and he’ll be watching intently this year. “I’m hoping they go far,” he said. They got upset last year but I feel there ready and determined this year. I’m hoping we get another opportunity to play on that stage next year. Hopefully next year, I’ll be able to contribute.” White expects huge things from Odomes at the next level and beyond. “I expect him to be a big part of what OU going to try to do next year,” he said. Speaking with coach (Lon) Kruger and coach (Chris) Crutchfield, they’re expecting it as well. They have high expectations of him like we do here at Copperas Cove. We’re just looking forward to him continuing to get better and reach his full potential.” “I referenced it tons of times before, but I look at him as basketball’s Robert Griffin,” added White. “Everyone knew Robert was a special talent, but I don’t think they realized how special he was. I think it’s the same thing with Rashard.”