ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Jamar Houston

Jamar Houston is a senior forward for Central Florida Christian Academy’s basketball team. During the Winter Park Rotary Club basketball tournament, Houston was named to the All-Tournament team, with teammate Ta’Veon Jones, as the two guided the Eagles to a second-place finish in the tournament. He’s a big part of why CFCA has won six of its first seven games as the team looks to repeat as district champions this season. Houston eventually wants to go on to college and study history. 

 What do you like about playing at CFCA? 

The love and support they give you. We’re a small school, but it’s full of energy and a great environment for me to be in because I love it. At first, I was skeptical about going there, but it turns out, I loved it and they accepted me as family. 

What else about the school do you like? 

How much help they offer and the way they present themselves, especially as a Christian school. That plays a big part as a young adult or a teenager. Growing up, most people don’t have that, and they offer it to you every single day. You can’t miss out on it. 

What’s your favorite subject in school? 

History — most teachers would just teach the subject, but the teacher I have, he goes into detail with back stories and things like that. He’s a cool guy to joke around with, as well; I have a lot of love and respect for him. If I wasn’t sure about something I’d watch a video on it, or I’d look it up. 

Favorite time period in history that you like studying? 

The Harlem Renaissance. I never knew where it went back into that time where there was a lot of culture, and my teacher helped me understand it. 

If you could be or meet any historical figure, who would it be? 

Muhammad Ali — he’s a person of interest to me; a great guy with a sense of humor. He also took everything serious and did it out of love. He brought up a lot of people, especially in the time period that he was in. Many black people weren’t respected then, but he’s gotten a lot of love and respect. 

What do you love most about playing the sport of basketball? 

Seeing my brothers every day. We bump heads, don’t agree on everything, but at the end of the day, I still love them, because the majority of us on the team grew up together. That’s my family right there, because I don’t hang out with many people outside of school. 

How would you rate your guys’ chemistry? 

Automatic 10. We have that bond where we automatically connect in basketball or whatever it may be. We’ve always had that strong chemistry together. 

Favorite basketball memory? 

Going up to Pennsylvania with the team for the first time and seeing snow for the first time. We had two games up there, but we also did other activities such as visiting schools, skiing, tubing and (hanging) out together. We ended up winning both of those games. It was a great experience to build that bond with them and get closer together. Seeing snow for the first time was an experience. 

Favorite movie? 

“The Incredibles” — I used to recite every scene word-for-word when I was kid. 

Which Incredibles character do you identify with the most? 

Frozone. 

Hobbies outside of basketball? 

Be with my family. A lot of times, I miss out on family stuff, so when I’m home, I try to be as close as I can and catch up on things I missed out on. Relax, let myself catch up mentally with things in life. 

Favorite basketball player? 

Ja Morant — I hear that we have a lot of similarities, but I have a lot of respect for him, because I watched him in high school, college and now the pros. 

What kind of offers have you gotten from colleges? 

I heard from Murray State and Wheaton College in Illinois. They’re like CFCA — a Christian school, big but not too big, and they’re high on Christianity and education. When speaking with the coach, he sounds like he really wants me.