One goal every high school basketball player sets is to reach 1,000 career points. To reach this goal, most players would have to play three if not four years of varsity basketball. Taylor Kennedy senior guard Andia Marsh has not only received significant playing time since a freshman, he has only raised his scoring totals each of year of high school. From 11 points per game as a 9th grader, to 15 sophomore year, last season with 17 points per game, and eventually this season averaging 27 points through four games, culminating in reaching the 1,000 point club in a game against Detroit Community at the Romulus Winners’ Circle Classic.
“It feels great to know that all my long nights and early mornings in the gym have payed off and is being recognized, it’s an honor,” Marsh had to say.
“But without my coaches and teammates it would have been impossible.”
Kennedy is a member of the Downriver League. The general perception of the league is as of a football conference, in fact, the league has never won a basketball state championship. Marsh is aware the league doesn’t have the strongest competition in the state, but has produced players that can compete with anyone in the country. In particular, Marsh points to ’14 Taylor Truman graduate Aaron Foster-Smith, and Kennedy alums Aaron Hayes and Breland Hogan as players he looks up to. Foster-Smith is currently a freshman at U of D Mercy, Hayes is at Grand Valley State, while Hogan is enjoying a professional playing career in Europe.
The reputation for Marsh is a fearless competitor, and his play style resembles the worth ethic instilled to him by his parents and coaches. At 6’2″185 pounds, Marsh has pleasure in using his size to physically assert his will to the basket. He never backdowns from contact, but also exerts a high basketball IQ, and has developed into a quality on-ball defender. Not only has his scoring picked up each year, as a point guard, Marsh also has raised his assists per game each year as well. After one as a freshman, two sophomore year, five junior year, Marsh has been averaging nearly seven assists through the early portion of senior year, coinciding with scoring performances of 35, 32, and 28 respectively.
Call him cocky, but Andia is one confident kid. He views himself as a top ten player in Michigan’s 2015 class. Marsh is motivated by many overlooking and underrating his talents. Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, and U of D Mercy are a few schools he is considering at the moment. Marsh doesn’t have any favorites he mentioned, he’s just fueled to become a college basket ball player. He wants a comfortable place where he can achieve his academic goals and graduate with a four year degree, and then focus on basketball. However, in ten years, Marsh still envisions himself playing the game he loves on some platform.
“I know I have what it takes to play in the NBA, and if not over seas.” Marsh stated. “I know the chances of paying in the NBA are slim to none, but I believe in my work ethic my parents installed in me as a kid.”
“I know the work and competition only gets harder, but I’m ready to take on that challenge and fulfill my dreams.”
His junior year, Kennedy went over .500 for the first time in Marsh’s career. The taste of success has spurred Marsh to set lofty goals for his final high school career. First, he wants to win a state championship, second, he wants to be known as the best player to ever graduate from Kennedy, and third, Marsh believes he can and is worthy of receiving the coveted Mr. Basketball Award. To accomplish these feats, Marsh is thankful to the individuals who have shaped him into the person and player he is today.
“My parents, my AAU teammates, my high school teammates, all all my coaches from Michigan United to Taylor Kennedy.”
“I want to thank every that believes and support me, I will keep working hard to achieve greatness no matter what it takes.”
The Prep Ball Report 