Keyshawn Baker has been a welcome sight at Randolph-Clay

CUTHBERT — For some athletes, moving away from a school and a community can be difficult. Fortunately, for Randolph-Clay senior guard Keyshawn Baker, the transition has been a smooth one.

Baker plays for his father, Randolph-Clay coach Kalvin Baker. A year ago, both Bakers were at Marion County, where the elder Baker was the coach.

Last year while at Marion County, Keyshawn averaged 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists, leading the Eagles to the Class A public state tournament. In addition, Kalvin Baker also coached the wide receivers and defensive backs in football, and Keyshawn was a starting wide receiver. The 6-foot-3 standout helped the Eagles win the state football championship.

As much success as the Bakers had at Marion County, Kalvin Baker saw a better opportunity for himself and for his son.

“I jumped at the opportunity to coach at the mighty Randolph-Clay High School, and the opportunity to coach my son his senior season,” Kalvin Baker said.

For Keyshawn, leaving Marion County and a state championship football team was difficult, but it allowed him to pursue his passion.

“I wanted to come to a basketball school so I could get better looks and pursue my passion,” Keyshawn Baker said.

Baker’s teammate, Herald Super 6er power forward Gary McCrae, has known him for a long time.

“Keyshawn and I have been playing AAU basketball together since we were in seventh grade,” McCrae said. “We’ve been playing together basically all our lives. Then we came to high school together. We’re still friends. Nothing has changed.”

As far as Baker’s role at Randolph-Clay, McRae said: “He’s the key to the team.”

Coach Baker has seen the talent and leadership abilities that his son brings to the court.

“He has been starting since his freshman year, helping Taylor County win the Region 4-AA championship and a trip to the elite eight,” Coach Baker said. “His sophomore season, he was all-region first team, averaging 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists, helping us win another Region 4-AA championship.”

While at Taylor County, the younger Baker had strong guidance from a very successful coach in the Amzie Hardman, who has won six state championships. Baker also played for Willie Williams at Marion County.

One of Baker’s other teammates, senior shooting guard Qualian Jones, said Baker is an encourager.

“He means a lot to me,” Jones said. “He encourages me. When I’m down, he lifts me up.”

As far as what Baker means to the team, Jones believes that Baker’s scoring ability reduces the load that the big men would normally have to carry.

With the addition of Keyshawn Baker this year, it could be the missing piece that helps Randolph-Clay make a run at the state title.