Javionne Ranson

Meridian High School sophomore Javionne Ranson has been on the court since he first learned the alphabet. He speaks with confidence and respect, suggesting wisdom that belies his years. The way he carries himself demonstrates an innermost dedication to patience, which he says is essential to keep your game steady and your teammates on the ball. These are skills he’s developed over the years as part of his personal play style and philosophy, but the abilities he’s refined also reflect the motivating tutelage of Coach Davis and our unique basketball culture in Mounds.

“We help each other,” Javionne says, speaking of the synergy between himself and the team. “We have our ups and downs. Sometimes, we’ll have a down game, and I’ll say, ‘You got this.’ We stick together.” It’s more like a brotherhood than anything else. The camaraderie and the results it produces will be on full display when Javionne and his teammates take on Cairo on January 25th. The opportunity to play them in Indianapolis on the Pacers’ home court is a dream come true. “I mean, everybody’s coming to see it. We don’t play them on a regular basis,” he says, unable to contain his excitement.

Though he anticipates victory on an official NBA court, he also has his eye on an NCAA floor. Javionne wants nothing more than to attend the University of Alabama and play the game for the Crimson Tide. Though he has more than enough time to figure out a major, he’s considering veterinary science. We think Javionne enjoys excelling in the heat of the moment: Veterinarians and ballers must make split-second decisions—veterinarians to save their patients’ lives, and basketball players to make the right play and take home the gold.

Javionne’s respect for Coach Davis runs deep, especially when he recalls a specific game against Gallatin County. He remembers a tense moment on the court, the overhead lights heavy as the weight of expectation on his shoulders. As Javionne neared a foul, Coach Davis’s reassurances brought Javionne’s temperature down: “He’s like, you got to be patient. Calm down. You need to make free throws.” A clear objective leads to a clear head in the game, and Javionne says Coach knows his players so well that he can tailor individual strategies for each player. He stresses these things allow Meridian’s basketball program to measure up to the best of the rest.

The insights he’s picked up at Meridian go beyond the court, and he touches on life lessons he’s learned through the game. “Stay humble. Stay humble. Stay humble,” he chants, “be patient, don’t rush anything.” Javionne understands the importance of humility and its effect on people as a play against your opponents and the welcoming character it sparks in those who remain selfless.

His community and family clearly play a significant role in his athletic and academic success, offering unwavering support and guidance he’s internalized to use during play and work. “They support me all the way. My dad tells me to maintain, stay patient, and stay focused.” Javionne Ranson is a name you’ll want to remember, readers. If growth, aspiration, and community bonds are the barometers of potential GOATs, then his determination and the wisdom from his mentors all but guarantee a day where thousands of fans packed into Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa start to chant, “Stay humble, stay humble, stay humble,” all of them sporting Tide jerseys, the name “Ranson” rippling in vinyl lettering above the same ever patient number.