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Jamarcus Pope enjoyed quite the breakout season for the LaGrange boys basketball team. After receiving little playing time in his first two seasons, the junior found himself playing a key role on this year’s team.

This breakout was not by happenstance. It was a long offseason of grueling work to get the opportunity to be a contributor for the Grangers.

Pope’s breakout season culminated in his game-high 16-point performance in LaGrange’s first win over rival Troup earlier this month.

Unfortunately, LaGrange and Pope’s season reached a heartbreaking conclusion this past Wednesday as the team fell in the opening round of the region tournament. It was not the conclusion that neither he nor the team envisioned for themselves.

With only one key contributor graduating in the spring, the Grangers are poised to come back with a talented squad and a chip on their shoulders. Pope’s shoulders will have to do a lot of the heavy lifting. As a senior, he will be expected to take on an even bigger leadership role for his final run.