Following his 27-point performance against Eau Claire Jan. 5, Cassopolis senior point guard Deion Gatson was elated.

“I was feeling it today,” Gatson said. “We came out hoping to get a win and I just wanted to get at them early. I just try to give it my all out there.”

And Gatson was feeling it, pouring on 24 of those 27 points in the first half and helping Cassopolis win by 34.

It wasn’t just the high scoring point totals though that lit up the gymnasium. Four minutes into the game the 5-foot-10 guard soared through the air and finished an alley-oop dunk from fellow senior Bryce Saxton.

He also showed his tireless work ethic on defense.

“That’s the game we like to play,” Gatson said. “We run all over the place. We do it at practice.  Plain and simple, we do not stop.”

Playing basketball ever since he can remember, Gatson plans on continuing at the college level after he graduates in May.

“This game is so much fun for me. I just love playing it.  I definitely want to play in college,” Gatson said. “I would like to play at Olivet. I was accepted there and I think I can do something there.”

The chances of Gatson playing at Olivet look good, considering that the Comets boast both varsity and junior varsity squads to improve player development. But after his performance the other night, he is showing that he is a varsity player all the way.

According to Gatson, basketball is life, trying other sports just didn’t fit.

“I tried out football but I decided against it,” Gatson said. “I also run track. We went to state last year. But in my spare time I work on my game as much as I can. But I never count out hanging with friends and family, not to mention a little bit of video games.”

With a promising season ahead, Gatson looks to continue to run some more as the Rangers host White Pigeon Friday night.