Mariners Christian School athletes had a few reasons to celebrate at their Awards Banquet on Wednesday, March 16: a strong final standing as second place in the League; new uniforms, shoes, and equipment for the entire team; and an extraordinary basketball coach in former All-Star player Schea Cotton.
A previous professional basketball player of 10 years, Schea Cotton was a champion at Mater Dei in 1994 and 1995, touted as one of America’s biggest high school talents, and later played in college at Alabama. Through a series of circumstances and events, Cotton’s career plans for the NBA did not come to fruition, but he is passionate about sharing his story with others and using his talent to positively impact young people.
Currently Cotton operates the Schea Cotton Basketball Academy for youth. He is also promoting a documentary called “ManChild: The Schea Cotton Story,” with a goal of entering it into film festivals such as the 2016 Newport Beach Film Festival. The film explores Cotton’s experience as a high profile young athlete and the pressures that come with that status. He hopes to reach young athletes as well as the entire basketball world with his message.
“MCS is extremely fortunate to have Schea Cotton’s involvement in our athletic program this year. Beyond his incredible talent and experience, Schea has a strong Christian faith and attitude that is inspiring for our students,” said MCS Athletic Director Mac Thompson.
In addition to his role as Head Basketball Coach, Cotton leveraged his connections with the Schea Cotton Foundation, Schea Cotton Basketball Academy, and Doctors of Newport-Mesa Audiology Balance and Ear Institute to secure 17 pairs of free Nike basketball shoes for the team, as well as new warm up t-shirts and equipment.
“It’s been a real pleasure serving as coach for the sixth graders at MCS,” Cotton said. “I felt the season was a real success in that the kids all developed, improved, and came together to play for one another and to glorify God.”
For more information on Shea Cotton and his basketball programs for youth, visit this site.