Catching Up With the Galloways

I got the chance to catch up last night with Larry Galloway, father of 2010 Hawk recruit Langston Galloway, and discuss how Langston's season at Christian Life Academy is going and how he is getting himself ready for next year.

Keeping track of Christian Life Academy games from across the country is a challenge, especially considering the lack of newspaper or online reporting done on the team. Larry informed me that over the Holiday break, Christian Life played in a tournament in Tampa, Florida. CLA won 3 of the 4 games, only losing a game that the seniors sat for the first half. When Langston entered the game in the 3rd quarter and his team losing, he erupted for 36 points in the second half alone. Throughout our conversation, Larry emphasized Langston's competitive nature and determination to win. He does everything within his power for that to happen, whether that is scoring the ball, crashing the boards, or spotting the open man.

Langston scored his 2,000th point last week at Christian Life Academy and is poised to break the 2,500 point milestone this season. Possibly more, depending on how the team does in state playoffs. So far this season, Langston is averaging right around 25 points per game. In a win on Tuesday night, Langston hit 5 3-pointers, something that Larry said has been a theme throughout this season. He has also been one of the team's leading rebounders.

The Hawks lose two starting senior guards this year in Garrett Williamson and Darrin Govens. Langston is well aware of this and doing everything in his power to earn significant minutes next year. Since the summer, he has been working with a strength and conditioning coach to improve his upper-body and core strength. Most college freshman have an adjustment in college, playing against bigger and stronger players. Larry noted that Langston, due to his workout routine, does not look like a high school player anymore, but has the build of a collegiate player. Larry noted that Langston is not coming to SJU to "be a benchwarmer...he wants to play".

In addition to his athletic success, Langston is also a very good student. Despite Louisiana allowing high school athletes to stay eligible with GPA's of 1.5, the Galloways have ensured that Langston keep his GPA right around a 3.0. He is fully qualified and eligible to play on Hawk Hill next year.

Over the summer, Langston had the opportunity to play against some of the best players nationally on the AAU circuit as a member of the Louisiana Select team. As a member of the AAU team, he participated in the Peach Jam and also played at the Milk House. Playing against that competition is one thing, but holding your own is another, and Larry noted that Langston more than held his own. Over the summer, he also played against college and NBA players while in Philadelphia. John Hardnett, one of the most well-respected names in Philadelphia hoops, puts together runs for these players. Playing, as a high schooler, against college and NBA players, is an experience that should be nothing but beneficial for Langston in the long run.

Christian Life is a 1A school, but has played a grueling out-of-district schedule. They take on rival Glen Oaks on the campus of LSU in a game that the folks of Baton Rouge are really looking forward to. Langston and his teammates are doing everything in their power to reclaim a state championship this season.

I will continue to provide updates on Langston's season as Christian Life Academy moves toward the state playoffs.

Photo Courtesy of Rivals