By J.T. Keith
Doing uncommon things is not unusual for Zia basketball coach Joshua Prock.
While most students sleep the early-morning hours away, Prock’s voice can barely be heard above the squeak and slide of sneakers at Greyhound Arena during a 6 a.m. practice.
Prock is a man of deep faith and makes no apologies for that. He believes in doing things the precise way, and he believes in going through the process and building a team the right way.
The Zias being selected to finish eighth out of nine teams in the Lone Star Conference does not bother him at all.
“I’m not here just to make it into the tournament,” Prock said. “I want to win an LSC championship and then thinking National Championship.”
Prock has his work cut out for him although the Zias are coming off back-to-back LSC tournament appearances.
“I am a glass-half-full type of guy,” Prock said. “I’ve been positive for my whole life, and I’m going to stay positive. We can play with Tarleton State University and Midwestern State University.”
Prock has coached with Kelvin Sampson at Oklahoma University. Sampson, one of the greatest basketball minds in the college or professional game today, is now an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets.
“Josh latched onto everything,” Sampson said. “He was always in the film room and paid attention to everything. You could tell when he was a young guy—I had him when he was 20-25—that he was destined to be a coach. The thing I like about him is he is always looking to learn and get better; I respect guys like that. Eastern New Mexico University got a good coach, and they got a winner.”
Returning this year is point guard Lakeeyscia Griffin, Clovis grad Ashlee Pierson, and three-point sharpshooting twins Jordyn and Jaylyn Cooper. Forward Nelsha Peterson sets the tone for the team along with the hustle play of Jasmine Johnson and Amber Williford. Zia fans also should expect Alexa Candelaria to continue her all-around steady play.
“I believe in these kids and their attitude,” Prock said. “I love these kids, and I think we can accomplish great things.”