Lucas Justice has been a key contributor to the Russell County basketball program his entire high school career and with his senior season winding down, the Laker forward is looking to cap off his final year with a district title and a strong showing in the 4th region tournament.

“I've had a good time playing and I've just tried to help my team win the best that I can and get better every day,” Lucas said.

There are two games that stick out in Lucas' mind as his favorite moments on the hardwood. One being last season when the Lakers upset the top-seeded Warren Central Dragons, 65-57, in the opening round of the 4th region tournament at E.A. Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, one of the biggest wins in the history of Russell County basketball, and the other being the district tournament title the team won his sophomore season after defeating a senior-laden Metcalfe County team, 71-59.

He looked at coach Willie Feldhaus as one of the main reasons the Lakers have performed so well.

“I just respect him a lot,” he said. “He always says that if he stops yelling at you then he's given up on you and he's always yelled at me so he's not given up on me yet.”

His teammates and fellow seniors all have a great relationship with one another and have played ball together for many years, Lucas said.

“That helps on the court,” he said. “We've always been friends so that translates on the court and we all just communicate well.”

Lucas also credits his mom, Kim McFall, for always being there for him and his twin brother, Adam, also a senior member of the team, and pushing them to do their best both on and off the court.

When the season ends, Lucas said he will miss the trill of lacing up his shoes and heading out to play in front of a crowd.

“I like winning and I won't be able to play organized basketball anymore so I'll miss that,” he said.

But being a Laker has taught Lucas a lot about life, in general, he said.

“To be good at anything you've got to put your all into it and try as hard as you can,” Lucas said. “If you do that you should be fine, you've just got to work at it.”