The news of Kobe Bryant’s passing along with his daughter Gianna Bryant and seven others shook the sports world to its core on Sunday afternoon.

Tragedy is the only word to describe what occurred. Nine people were heading out to a youth league basketball game on a foggy Sunday morning, and would never return home to their families.

Kobe’s legacy on the basketball court was just a fraction of the impact that he made on the lives of so many. He was the best basketball player in the NBA for a number of years, winning five NBA Championships, an MVP, four finals MVP’s and numerous scoring titles.

Kids grew up with the aspirations of being Kobe Bryant, or resembling something like him. The next chapter of his life was still being written. He was doing things for charities, communities, being an ambassador for Women’s basketball and teaching his daughters the ins-and-outs of the game.

The loss of Kobe Bryant will forever leave an empty void in the hearts and minds of sports and NBA fans, coaches, as well as current and former players.

Basketball coaches around Beaufort County were all saddened by the news of Kobe’s passing.

Davelle Whitney, the boys’ head basketball coach at Southside High School said his first thought was about his own players and children.

“As a kid and young adult, I didn’t like Kobe because he beat my favorite player, Allen Iverson in the finals. But, as I grew older, I realized how great he was and respected his game,” Whitney said. “When I found out he died it was unbelievable, but when I found out his ball-playing daughter was with him it hurt my soul. All I could do was think about my kids. Rest in peace to all the others that may not get as much TV time as Kobe, also.”

The head boys’ basketball coach at Northside, Jared Adams, said Kobe Bryant was the epitome of working hard for where you want to be.

“Kobe was a player of character, class and determination. He was a complete player on and off the court. His game was complete with no flaws. He could beat you off the dribble, shoot and could take you in the post/mid-range,” Adams said. “Off the court, he was a community leader and a family man that led by example. Even a man with his talents believed in practicing like you play. No reps, or plays off. If you want something, you must put the work in for it. Always push yourself to be better than the day before at whatever you do.”

The vision of molding young people was what stuck out most about Kobe Bryant to Southside girls’ head coach Milton Ruffin.

“The passing of Kobe was a great loss. He wasn’t just one of the best players in the world, he was a great person that had the resources and vision to help our young people out,” Ruffin said in a text message to the Daily News. “His example of hard work is the blue print for success. He will be missed. R.I.P. #824”

Boys’ head basketball coach at Washington High School, David Allewalt echoed Ruffin’s statement.

“Kobe was an outstanding athlete that gave every young man and woman aspirations to be great in the game of basketball. His work ethic and longevity is unmatched and he will be sorely missed,” Allewalt said. “His family core values and passion for life was also an important aspect of who Kobe Bryant was, a true competitor and ambassador. Our age had Michael Jordan, the next era was Kobe Bryant.”

Northside Lady Panthers’ head basketball coach Michelle Leathers said that Kobe Bryant was the prime example of how to play the game of basketball.

“Kobe was a great father, great basketball player, and shoed every young man and woman how to carry yourself on the on and off the court,” Leather said. “He showed us true leadership, and played the game of basketball like every game would be his last one.”

Jeremee Bryant of Washington High School has been sidelined for the season with an ACL injury, but he spoke out on Kobe’s passing and talked about his influence on the game of basketball.

“I feel like Kobe influenced many kids, teenagers and even adults to do great things. This is something that affects all of us, and for him to pass away broke a lot of basketball players and non-basketball players’ hearts,” Jeremee Bryant said. “One thing we have to do is reunite, stay strong and pull together as one for Kobe.”

Unity Christian Academy’s senior guard Jack Kirkman has made the decision to change his basketball number from No. 2 to No. 24 for the remainder of this season and his high school career.

“(Kobe) was my favorite player of All-Time. I remember watching his games with my dad when I was younger. It was some of my earliest basketball memories. He is kind of the reason that I got into basketball at such a young age,” Kirkman said. “I just feel for his wife and kids, I can’t imagine what they’re going through. I’m wearing his number because I want to play for him, I want to go all out for him.”

There will never be another Kobe Bryant. He didn’t take short cuts. He was in the gym every day before anybody else, and refused to be outworked. That is the Mamba Mentality.