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Senior Elijah Shelton has stepped up his game in his final year on the Knights hardwood. He’s scored 30 or more points twice and dropped 40 on Hobgood Academy earlier this season. The Virginia Beach, VA. native enrolled at Terra Ceia Christian School as a freshman after his eighth grade year at Northeast Elementary. His family moved from Raleigh to Pamlico Beach near Belhaven after seventh grade and he’s enjoyed the small environment TCCS provides. He played soccer for the first time this fall and will start his fourth spring in center field soon.

 

1. You are the only senior on the basketball team with two juniors, a freshman and four eighth graders. What have you learned about leadership?

 

Elijah: It’s been an interesting experience that’s helped me grow up a lot. I know the younger guys are looking at me all the time and I try to be positive and encouraging toward them. Being around them has made me more confident.

 

2. How tough is that when they make a mistake during a crucial part of a game?

 

Elijah: I just try to remember that they didn’t mess up on purpose and they are trying their best. I didn’t play much my freshman or sophomore year before starting last year, so I’ve been in their shoes. I know they want to win as badly as I do and they’ve improved a lot since the season started. I tell them not to be scared to make a play and move on when they make a mistake.

 

3. You could have gone other places for high school. Why Terra Ceia?

 

Elijah: I like the small Christian environment where it’s easy to get to know everybody.   I get along with everyone really well and I know my teachers care about me as a person and they’ve helped me prepare for the rest of my life. I know I made the right choice in coming here for high school.

 

4. What professional and college sports do you follow?

 

Elijah: I follow most all of them, but I like the NBA the best. The Nets and Hornets are my favorite teams and Kevin Durant, James Harden, LaMelo Ball and Kelly Oubre, Jr. are my favorite players. I enjoy watching LaMelo play for the Hornets because there’s no other player in the NBA quite like him. He’s entertaining to watch and he’s helped the Hornets win this year.

 

5. What are your plans after graduation?

 

Elijah: I’m planning on going to Beaufort County Community College, transferring to East Carolina, then going on to medical school somewhere. I’ve always enjoyed my science classes and it would be cool to be a doctor.