Stinnett: World could use more Jared Naves

When Jared Nave was a standout performer - and person - as a student-athlete at Cannon County High School, he was the epitome of what a team player is.

Nave always put team before self. He was an All-District 8-AA performer. He helped lead the Lions to one of their most successful seasons in recent years when they reached the Class AA Sub-state game in 2011.

Nave was a solid player. He was willing to do all of the little things most never notice that helps a team win during the course of a game.

He would just as soon pull a rebound, dish an assist or grab a steal than score. Had he shot more, Nave easily would have been one of the top scorers in school history, but he was on a talented team that didn’t need him to be the leading scorer or take a high percentage of the shots.

So he didn’t.

This year’s Cannon County Lions are fortunate to have such a high-character individual helping coach them. Nave is in his first season as a volunteer assistant under his former Head Coach Matt Rigsby.

Good thing is many of them realize it.

When asked who was the most influential person in their life for a preseason basketball questionnaire three Lions answered, “Jared Nave.”

By TONY STINNETT

That’s pretty strong for high-school age athletes to have such respect and admiration for someone not too far removed from them - both in school and age.

It’s easy to earn that respect when you life and moral values are as solid as Nave’s, whose brother, Jacob, is a junior on the Lions basketball team and listed his sibling as his most influential person.

Jared Nave was not a vocal leader and he still isn’t overly vocal. He was one of those players who led by example. It is seemingly how he conducts his life, as well.

Jim and Jamie Nave, the parents of Jared and Jacob, deserve credit, too. By all accounts, Jacob is just as solid and humble as his older brother. When all siblings are respectful, well mannered, humble and just all-around good people it is not by accident or coincidence. It is called parenting.

If Nave wanted to pursue a career in coaching he would be an outstanding mentor. He is patient and knowledgeable. He is a good teacher.

In the meantime, Lions basketball players should consider themselves fortunate to learn from a person of Nave’s extremely high character.