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CHAUMONT Troy Wilsons bloodlines run deep and historically strong at Lyme Central School.
His father, Scott, is the Frontier Leagues all-time leading scorer with 2,391 points and still ranks among the top 20 scorers all-time in New York State.
Uncle Leo, who also serves as his varsity basketball coach, is a 1,000-point career scorer for the Indians, and led the team to the 1978 state Class D championship game.
Uncles Josh and Mark, Leos sons, were also standouts at Lyme under their father.
So naturally, Troy was expected to follow in their footsteps when he made the varsity as a precocious eighth-grader. Four years later, the 16-year-old Lyme junior guard has become not only one of the best players in school history, but one of the most talented in the Section 3 and state Class D ranks.
Hes certainly keeping the Wilson legacy at Lyme alive.
Ive heard and read some of the things my dad and Uncle Leo and his sons accomplished here, and its just an honor to be mentioned with them, a humble Troy said Tuesday night after breaking the 1,000-point career barrier with a magnificent 39-point performance against Sandy Creek. Basketball has meant a great deal to our family, both on and off the court. Thats something that drives me every day to get better.
Troy Wilson is a naturally talented athlete with exceptional basketball skills. But what has helped set him apart, according to Leo Wilson, is his dedication and work ethic.
Troy is one of those kids whos never satisfied, Leo Wilson said. Hes always in the gym before and after practice working on something. Hes driven to be great, and I think thats a thing you cant teach or coach.
Sackets Harbor coach Jeff Robbins, whose team has had to go against Troy for the last three years, just loves the way Wilson conducts himself on the court.
The thing that stands out for me about Troy is how hard he plays, Robbins said. He has a motor thats non-stop, which makes him almost impossible to neutralize because he can affect the game in so many ways. I also appreciate how unflappable he is during games. He never gets rattled. Hed be the ultimate poker player.
Troy has always been able to score, as evidenced by his career scoring totals. Hes averaged in double figures each of his first three varsity seasons, including a high of 20.4 points per game as a sophomore last season.
This year, hes even kicked it up a notch, averaging 25.7 points through six games, which included two games over 30 points and two more over 25. Hes improved his shooting each of the last three seasons, and this season he has already connected on 19 3-pointers, including five Tuesday night.
But what has impressed his coach the most is how Wilsons overall game has expanded with his physical and mental maturity.
Troy has turned into a really good passer, and thats unusual for a kid who can score like he does, Leo Wilson said. Hes always looking for the open man with his head up. Sometimes his passes are so quick and precise, his teammates arent ready to catch them.
At just 5-foot-11, Wilson is also one of the Indians best rebounders. Hes not afraid to stick his nose into traffic and battle for the ball. Against Sandy Creek, he finished with nine rebounds and five assists.
I try to keep my teammates involved as much as I can. And they know that if they get open Ill usually find them, he said.
Father Scott said he taught young Troy at young age to dribble low to the ground so defenders have a harder time stripping the ball away. Thats one of the reasons he can fight through a couple of defenders a lot easier the last couple of years.
Tuesday night, four of his baskets came on strong drives to the hoop with two or sometimes three defenders trying to bump him off the ball.
By getting stronger, Ive learned how to take the contact better, Troy said.
Wilsons only goal this year, after hitting 1,000 points, is to lead a very good Lyme team to a Frontier League D Division title and, potentially, to a long run in the Section 3 playoffs.
After that, maybe 2,000 points, he said.
And beware. There are two more Wilsons on the horizon, including Troys younger brother, Tyler, and Leos young son.