Cade Pendleton
As we're wrapping up the interview, East Hamilton's Cade Pendleton has only one request. "If you could cover the COVID situation and how wearing masks and obeying social distancing guidelines can really help us seniors finish our last season." The 6'9", 205-pound hooper has been forced to adapt to changing circumstances to chase his dream.
First, it was moving from Utah to Tennessee. Pendleton had to say goodbye to the only home he's ever known and try to make new friends and adjust to the cultural differences. He spent countless hours in the car traveling to Charlotte to play for Team Curry, only for the AAU season to be delayed. Now, he's navigating the recruiting process while practicing social distancing.
Pendleton credits his family for helping him get through this time. His sister's genuine kindness and his mom's focus on his education. Rather than a game-winning three-pointer or a slick euro-step, Pendleton points to his 3.8 GPA and 25 ACT score as his most significant accomplishment. The young man is a natural problem-solver, hence his love for math. His favorite subject, engineering, is taught by Mrs. Myles, who can take challenging concepts and apply them to interesting situations.
But don't get it twisted; Pendleton is still cooking kids on the court. 10.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game while helping lead East Hamilton to an 8-2 start to the season. The Hurricanes are going to need the kind of production they got from Pendleton on Saturday night against their rival Ooltewah Owls (28 points and six boards) if they're going to be a state championship contender. Despite the excitement around this season and the bright future ahead of him, Pendleton doesn't lose focus on the bigger picture. "Faith and family always comes first. Basketball can only take you so far, so treasure the relationships and brotherhood you get from playing the sport."
When the gym-rat isn't working on his game, you can find him playing video games and hanging with his friends. Pendleton has a good grip on a precarious season and is poised to make the leap to college ball. Follow him and the Hurricanes as they try to crawl out of the treacherous class AAA Region 3 District 5 swamp. And per his request, make sure you mask up and socially distance, so our local seniors can finish their final seasons of high school sports.
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Pat Benson is the author of 'Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)' which was named a #1 New Release on Amazon. He has covered the NBA for Forbes.com, and interviewed some of the biggest personalities in the sport. Tweet him @Pat_Benson_Jr.