John Robert Morton is out to prove there’s more to his basketball game than his skin color.

The former Meadowview

Christian School hoops standout recently signed a scholarship to play basketball for Concordia

College.

The only white player on the team, Morton was already nicknamed Larry Bird by his teammates. Still, the AISA’s top scorer last year wants to prove he belongs in college basketball.

“It’s ridiculous how good the players are in college,” he said. “I’m keeping my confidence. I know I can shoot the ball.”

Morton showed his court prowess last year, averaging 31 points per game for the Trojans, including a 53-point, 24-rebound effort against Lowndes Academy. Morton also sank 31 3-point baskets last season.

Morton, the Trojans’ 6-foot-5, 210-pound star center, will become the number two guard for Concordia College. Green Hornets head coach Raymond Brown said Morton will decide his own future at Concordia.

“John Robert will predict the amount of minutes he will play,” Brown said. “If he practices hard and shows he can play at this level, then he’ll start.

“I think John Robert has the will, desire and heart to play at this level,” Brown added. “He definitely has the work habits. I’m sure he’ll play.”

Playing college ball may be one of the biggest thrills in Morton’s life. But being able to see her son play locally will be a bigger thrill for Connie Morton.

“When your kids graduate from high school,” she said, “you expect them to leave home. John decided Concordia College would be the best school for him. We’re just so proud of everything he has done.”

John Robert said he would likely major in Elementary Education. Meadowview Academy boys’ basketball coach Rick Raines said his former star will be greatly missed.

“John Robert’s been the backbone of our team,” Raines said. “All the kids have always looked up to him.”