Book Description

The reader will be introduced to a small town Darby Township community, student-athlete All Delaware County basketball star who was born In Elmwood, near Southwest Philadelphia Airport. He enlightened the avid readers about his memoirs called Courtside. His school days memoirs, takes you on a slight journey through what he experienced while a young child moving from Philadelphia to Darby Township when he was two years old. When he became of age he recalls, a historical and well documented legal battle ensued by racist policies geared to protect the rights and privileges of the Southeast Delco School district and Northern section of the Township of Darby political bosses. The mental trepidation influenced the movement against the citizens of the Southern section of the town fueled by political party's minutia wrapped in classism through racist thoughts perpetrated against poor blacks in a community with very little social or educational services available to the community. Notwithstanding the immediate impact of the unfair school decisions, but later felt the catastrophic sorrows of the decision that devastated the people in the Darby Township Community. The constant battle between what is revealed and not disclosed undermined the purpose of school, to discovering excitement through outdoor or inside recess periods pending increments weather would determine his extraordinary athleticism showcased during the intermittent period. He was able to gain attention through the classroom antics by avoiding the subject matters of importance by becoming a classroom comedian. Although his athleticism was a blessing from God earlier, he had to repeat the third grade. The level of emotional distress from several untimely deaths during his time as a student in elementary school caused him to remain behind his initial students. As the odds continue to stack against him, as well it's stacking against other less fortunate students . Derick used athleticism to gain the respect of teachers and neighbors. An important cast of people helped escort him into the realm of competition while using his energy and agility in the game of basketball in the right place and right time. He was able to double his efforts influencing friends and associates in competing in basketball while mimicking the educational lesson plans through the lens of his childhood friend. After failing to integrate into the norms associated with his age group, he was introduced through his biological brother's social ineptness by participating in a few social distractions. An unnamed protagonist overshadowed the dreams of one person while he was showered with heartbreak and disappointment associated with a broken family. Until one day, he took a leap of faith and packed his bicycle and a few belongings and headed out to find the game of basketball. Following in the footsteps of many local athletes offers a coming-of-age story about a small-town boy who traveled throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, Pittsburgh, New York, Baltimore and Washington DC, to find a competitive game of basketball on the backroads of America. He cut off ties to mischievous and living only in the moment. He connected with several unique personalities whose experience and views deeply impact his own innate. His grandparents, who helped piece him back together both physically and emotionally during fishing trips. His willingness to hit the road with very few resources is admirable and prescient enough to recognize the jealousy of those who cannot or will not take the leap of faith. His encounter with new places, people and things broadened his horizons. Yet his immaturity and selfishness persist. Despite his flaws, it's a pleasure to accompany on his physical and emotional journey in the basketball recruiting process and high school and college basketball experienced, and commencement from both institutions was indeed an achievement.