Greenwell Named to Academic All-State Team

By Marlana Smith

  North Shelby Senior Elijah Greenwell has been named to the 2020 Basketball Academic All-State Boys Team. This team includes all school classifications in Missouri. 

  “It feels good and it is a cool accomplishment,” said Greenwell. 

  NS head coach Landon Daniel turned in a form to the Coaches Association.

  “This is only the second time I’ve had a player ever qualify,” he said.

  “He is a kid that didn’t get as much playing time as he probably wanted to the year before as a junior because Kirby Latimer was so dominant, and they played the same position. He didn’t let that stop him from learning and watching,” Daniel continued. 

  Greenwell had to meet the requirements like an ACT score of 27 composite or above and have a grade-point-average of 3.25 out of a possible 4.0. He also had to be a senior team member in good standing and possess outstanding moral character.

  “Being a student at North Shelby helped push me as a student.  My teachers set high expectations, and I try to do my best. 

  “I like science, so I found that pretty easy to learn. I also like a challenge, so I push myself. I also like to read, which probably helped my ACT score,” said Greenwell.

  Greenwell has been playing basketball at North Shelby for eight years.    

  Daniel said, “He stepped in big for us this year and when he played well, we usually played well as a team. Elijah worked his tail off on the floor to be successful, but he has done just as much off the floor with his education.”

  Daniel is in his ninth year of coaching basketball. 

  “I think Basketball Academic All-State is one of the hardest in Missouri high school sports. To get this honor Elijah has had to manage his time, his studies, and all of his extra-curricular activities, and he has done that at the top level. The best part about this honor is that this is just the start for him. He has a lot more to do and will do great at every single one of them,” said Daniel.