For many, the adjustment from junior varsity to varsity competition can be difficult, especially if the transition occurs in a new program.
East Kentwood junior guard Darian Root stands a slender 6’3.” He hasn’t started a game thus far, but is a key member of an undefeated Falcon team off to one of the best starts in school history, undefeated at 5-0, including a victory over defending Class A state champion Muskegon.
Darian started high school at Ann Arbor Huron, a perennial state contender. However, after his sophomore year, Darian made the decision to move to the Grand Rapids area for family related reasons.
“It was very hard to leave Huron,” Darian had to say, “the coaching staff and guys there are like family to me, and I still keep in contact with most of them. I wish them well on a great season, I know they’ll have one.”
At East Kentwood, he’s no longer the new kid. One of the players who he developed a friendship with right away was Andrew Madison, a fellow junior and starting 6’7″ center for the team. Darian said Madison was the first to introduce him to his future teammates and coaches when school began, and eased the transition for Root into a different environment.
“I’ve adjusted pretty well to East Kentwood,” Darian said. “and Coach Anima’s principles, system, principles, and teammates.”
“Their good guys and I look forward to competing for a state championship next to them.”
Darian views his individual game is based around what the team requires. He believes his greatest strength is his versatility to play three different positions, to go along with a strong basketball IQ. Whether his role is as a scorer, playmaker, or role player, he’s motivated to do whatever it takes to win.
With the early success, Root and his teammates do not intend to become complacent. Darian wants to win and has high expectations. He wants to capture conference, district, and regional titles, and doesn’t think a state championship is out of the question. Wherever the journey takes him, Darian will be motivated and driven by family members who he says have made sacrifices he intends to give back through the game of basketball.
“How hard she (mom) works to provide for me and my siblings, motivates me,” Darian added.
“She’s made sacrifices that I will never be able to repay. I intend to use basketball to put me in a position to take care of her one day so she won’t have to work/stress anymore.”
The Prep Ball Report 
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