AndyPopCat
08-15-2005, 08:54 AM
BOLIVAR - Sometimes he wishes a major university could just relocate to Hardeman County for four years. Is that really so much to ask?
After all, that would solve a lot of Willie Kemp's problems and heartache.
During a rare moment at home this summer a couple weeks ago, Bolivar's 6-foot-2 senior basketball star sits on the edge of his bed and glances into the family room where his mom, Maxine Kemp, sits. Then he quickly looks away and his eyes find the floor.
''It's hard to believe I'm here, living this life with my mom - and then in less than a year, I'll be gone,'' Kemp said quietly. ''It's tough being away from her, even when I'm just playing tournaments this summer.''
He's been in Las Vegas, Arkansas, Georgia and just about everywhere in-between over the past six months, playing with the best AAU basketball talent in the country.
It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity turned somewhat bittersweet for the 17-year-old. Many of the best programs in college basketball court Kemp daily for his services, and he'll get a free college education out of the deal to boot.
But it also means he'll have to leave home and his ailing 41-year-old mom, who has kidney failure after being diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease about 20 years ago. There's no cure in sight...
http://miva.jacksonsun.com/miva/cgi-bin/miva?SPORTS/sports_storyV2005.mv+link=200508147451252
After all, that would solve a lot of Willie Kemp's problems and heartache.
During a rare moment at home this summer a couple weeks ago, Bolivar's 6-foot-2 senior basketball star sits on the edge of his bed and glances into the family room where his mom, Maxine Kemp, sits. Then he quickly looks away and his eyes find the floor.
''It's hard to believe I'm here, living this life with my mom - and then in less than a year, I'll be gone,'' Kemp said quietly. ''It's tough being away from her, even when I'm just playing tournaments this summer.''
He's been in Las Vegas, Arkansas, Georgia and just about everywhere in-between over the past six months, playing with the best AAU basketball talent in the country.
It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity turned somewhat bittersweet for the 17-year-old. Many of the best programs in college basketball court Kemp daily for his services, and he'll get a free college education out of the deal to boot.
But it also means he'll have to leave home and his ailing 41-year-old mom, who has kidney failure after being diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease about 20 years ago. There's no cure in sight...
http://miva.jacksonsun.com/miva/cgi-bin/miva?SPORTS/sports_storyV2005.mv+link=200508147451252