Malik Branch has taken the last two months of his final year at J.Z. George High School all in stride.
Branch, a senior who played three sports for the Jaguars during his tenure in North Carrollton, will graduate with his classmates next month. It won't be the typical graduation ceremony because of the new coronavirus pandemic.
"It kind of hurts because we can't finish the year the traditional way like other senior classes have done. I'm just trying to handle this the best way I can, and let the Lord do his work," said Branch.
Branch had just finished his final campaign on the hardwood for J.Z. George and was getting ready for his final track season. He was a member of the cross-country team as a ninth-grader when the Jags won the state title in Class 2A.
He has been on the varsity basketball team since his freshman year, starting at guard for former coach Jonathan Childs for two seasons. He played his junior season under Torrey Dale, and ran for the show as the starting point guard this past season for LeQuell Allen.
"I had three coaches in my four years, so it was a learning process each year. Coach Allen did a good job. He and I really clicked on the floor. He had me doing some things that I wasn't real comfortable doing in the past, but he wanted me to step up and be a leader on and off the floor," said Branch. "We had a lot of underclassmen and really just two seniors. I had to be patient and calm down, especially with so many young guys on the team. The sophomores on this team are going to be real special when they are seniors."
Branch wrapped up his senior campaign by helping the Jags reach the Region 2 title game and making it to the State 2A playoffs. They finished 9-15, and he averaged 15.5 points a game. He was named to the All-Crossroads team for the second straight year.
Branch was a member of the football for three straight years. He played in the defensive secondary all three seasons, and played wide receiver and running back on offense.
However, his senior season ended a little early when he parted ways with the team with just a few games remaining.
"I have a lot of regrets of how it ended. I should have did things differently. I guess you could say I've done a lot of growing up in the last few months as I get ready to face the real world," added Branch.
Branch has plans for the future. He has applied to attend Northwest Mississippi Community College and go into physical education.
"I want to be a coach after I finish college, either on the high school level or even in college. After Northwest, I'd like to attend Ole Miss and continue my studies."
Branch's parents are Harvey Smith and Shinetta Branch. His mom didn't really want him to play sports, but when the junior high team took a trip to play Winona, he went with them.
"My mom saw a picture of me playing ball, and she questioned me about me playing without her knowing. I'm just glad she didn't kill me," the 18-year old quipped.
