Sampson County native, East versus West game player and recipient of a host of awards, Zach Faircloth, said that while the anticipation for next year’s difficult schedule at Presbyterian College is exciting, he is aware that keeping up with his academics is vital.

The full-ride scholarship recipient said Thursday morning that he first started playing basketball at the age of six.

“I always liked playing sports,” Faircloth admitted. “I played football, baseball, basketball and all of that. I’d say, though, that it was seventh or eight grade that I noticed basketball was my passion.”

After discovering that basketball was the route he wanted peruse, Faircloth commented that in eighth grade he got involved with AAU and travel ball to enhance his skills for the next level, high school.

Although Faircloth transferred and graduated from Terry Sanford in Fayetteville, his first two years of high school were spent at Lakewood High School.

During his time at Lakewood, Faircloth revealed that he played football until his sophomore year, but after that, he said, he focused on basketball his junior and senior year at Terry Sanford.

His time at Lakewood, however, did not go unnoticed as he was recognized as first team All-Conference and first team All-County both years (freshman and sophomore), and he lettered both years as well.

“My second year,” Faircloth advanced, “I also got Player of the Year (in Sampson County).”

After moving to Fayetteville to attend Terry Sanford, Faircloth continued to receive a slue of accolades including, being a McDonald’s All-American nominee; conference Player of the Year; two year letterman; regional Player of the Year; NCBCA first team All-State selection; MVP of the conference tournament; named district Player of the Year; MVP of the eastern regionals; earned first team All-District four honors; led the conference and Cumberland County in scoring and three pointers; and received Terry Sanford’s senior athlete award, to name a few.

In addition to these accomplishments, Faircloth was nominated and chosen to represent the eastern part of the state in the East versus West game in Greensboro, slated for July 20.

“You get nominated by your high school coach,” the shooting guard revealed. “I know I had a couple that said they would nominate me.”

While humble about his nomination, Faircloth added, “It is exciting, and I think it will be fun to play with college kids.”

Although he has not met his fellow “east” teammates, Faircloth unveiled that on July 18 a banquet will be held, and he will meet the team as well as practice during the days leading up to the game.

However, with the game being less than a month away, Faircloth shared that he is keeping in shape by following a workout schedule designed by his college coaches at Presbyterian College.

According to Faircloth, he is lifting weights three days a week; running Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; and playing basketball in between.

Faircloth, who received a full ride scholarship to Presbyterian College, said that he will, most likely, be playing his first year in college.

“There are a couple of kids that want to be red shirted, but I’ll be playing,” Faircloth commented, adding that because the team is composed of young players, his chances of playing are good.

As for the team’s schedule, Faircloth shared that Presbyterian College has one of the toughest lineups.

While playing in the Big South Conference, Faircloth will have the opportunity to play ACC, SEC, Big East and Big Ten teams, which include, Marquette, University of North Carolina, Clemson, University of Florida, and Ohio State.

“I am excited,” Faircloth stated regarding his schedule next season. “I think it is going to be fun. In AAU we play against tough kids, but when you get out there, there isn’t much difference. They (college players) just have more size.”

While Faircloth commented that he is looking forward to the traveling, he understands that keeping up with his academics will keep him busy.

“I think it is going to be tough. I am going to try and major in Pharmacy. We are required to attend a two hour study hall a day. I know I am going to be busy with a lot of studying and being up late,” he said.

Although Faircloth’s future is bright and busy, he concluded by thanking his parents, Brandon Faircloth and Laura Harris, along with his younger sister, Zanna Faircloth of Lakewood High School and younger brother, Griffin Faircloth of Roseboro-Salemburg Middle School.

“I would just like to thank my parents and family members for all of their support,” he closed.

Jessica Wagner can be contacted at 910-592-8137 ext.122 or reached by e-mail at siphoto@myclintonnc.com