FC's Marshall inks with Baton Rouge institution for basketball

A former Franklin County High School basketball standout will get a chance to play at the next level after inking a formal commitment with Baton Rouge Post-Grad Academy on Friday, Aug. 5.

Kobe Marshall, a 2022 FCHS graduate, was joined by family members, friends and Bulldogs’ Head Basketball Coach Rickey Van O’Quinn for the signing ceremony held in the high school library.

“Their coach gave me the opportunity I had been looking for to continue playing,” Marshall said.

“I felt like a lot of schools looked over me, and this school expressed an interest and I took advantage of this chance to play.”

Marshall, who has had a passion for basketball since the age of 4, said all he has wanted to do was to continue taking part in the game that means a great deal to him.

“As a child, I would sit in front of the television watching Kobe Bryant — who was my father’s favorite player,” Marshall said.

“One of the things I love most about basketball is the way it brings people together — giving you the chance to see a lot of talented people doing what they love everywhere you go.”

Marshall said he will carry many memories with him from his time playing at Franklin County, and will greatly miss his teammates, the fans and O’Quinn, who served as more than just his long-time coach.

“Coach O’Quinn was a man who helped me on and off the court,” he continued. “He taught me a lot about the game and a lot about life that I will use in the future.”

In turn, O’Quinn said he was excited for and proud of Marshall to have this opportunity to showcase his abilities.

“Kobe certainly deserves it since he stuck with it because we just knew something would come through for him,” he noted.

“I am glad someone recognized Kobe’s level of talent, and I know it means a great deal to him that he gets a chance to keep on playing. I can’t help but feel that the sky is the limit for him.”

O’Quinn characterized Marshall as “a great kid” that he coached since the student-athlete was in the seventh grade.

“He’s the kind of student that never got into any trouble, was always humble and never missed a practice — even if he was sick,” he continued.

“Kobe, as a four-year starter for us, began making his mark on our program as a ninth grader. With him as part of the line-up, Franklin County claimed three district championships over the course of four years and went to the third-round of the Class 3A playoffs four-straight years.

“He’s a proven winner and has what it takes as far as being an on- and off-court leader. He’s a quiet kid that leads by example on the court.”

O’Quinn said too many times, talent like Marshall’s goes unrecognized because programs focus more on measurements and overlook “the heart” of competitors.

“Those of us who know Kobe realize that he is going to excel at the next level and look forward to seeing how far he can go,” the coach added.

“His work ethic is tremendous, and this is an example of something good coming out of those endless hours of practice ... he’s moving on and will get a lot more attention down the road.”
Marshall said he will be leaving on Friday, Aug. 19 with basketball practice beginning on Monday, Aug. 22.

“That’s a pretty quick turnaround, but I am ready to start this next chapter,” he added. “I can’t wait to get there.”