Kerry Baldwin
Contributing Writer

Hard work and perseverance were the keys to the accomplishment of one young man’s dream.  Recently, Carl McCray completed one of his long-term goals by signing with the Fayetteville State Bronco’s to play basketball next season.
McCray, a two-sport standout at Plymouth High School, helped propel the Vikings to many accomplishments during his career. McCray led the Vikings to the NCHSAA 1-A state championship game in basketball as a junior and helped power the Plymouth football team to a state championship as a senior this season.
McCray not only excelled in sports, he also excelled in the classroom his entire high school career. The Plymouth senior had several offers to play football and basketball on the collegiate level and when asked why he chose basketball over football he responded, “Basketball was my passion and I always like to compete at a high level.”
On his choice of college he said, “Fayetteville was a great fit for me because their style of play compliments my aggressive attitude towards defense. I was always known as player to give my all.”
McCray, the younger of two children born to Carl and Mary McCray, remembers the words from his parents that guided him through his career, “No books; no ball.”
Plymouth basketball coach Marvin Davenport, twice elected the Four Rivers Conference Coach of the Year, described McCray as a well-mannered, respectable young man who was always excited to perform.
“He started as a varsity player all four years and his work ethic was impeccable,” Davenport said.
During the offseason he would elevate his game by playing AAU basketball against some of the nation’s elite players like Rodney Purvis, Andrew Wiggins, Aquille Carr and the Harrison twins, Andrew and Aaron.
McCray’s high school career is exemplified by some of his outstanding accomplishments: Eastern Regional MVP honors, 2012 NCPreps.com All-State first team and a host of all-conference honors. He also received PHS Male Athlete of the Year for 2012.
While attending Fayetteville State University, McCray plans to major in sports management and minor in business.
“It is with a truly heart felt gratitude that I offer thanks to everyone that has assisted me along my journey,” McCray said. “I realized that no one can make it without the assistance of others and that it takes a village to raise a child. Thanks again to everyone.”