Special needs manager makes D’Iberville Basketball JV roster

The D’Iberville High Basketball squad has a unique talent on its team whose charisma and personality is the heart of the Warriors.

“Alex exemplifies everything it means to be a Warrior and that means to be family. He’s an amazing kid.”

Last fall, Alex Stewart’s parents were concerned about how their child would fare entering high school. That’s when Coach Sikes came in, taking Alex under his wing after taking interest in their son at a parent-teacher conference. “What better memories to create for Alex than allow him to be a part of a high school basketball team.”

Little did Coach Sikes know, the small gesture would give him not only a basketball manger, but a Warrior with a huge heart, especially when Sikes had a rough bout with COVID, landing him in the ICU for six days. “When I got back, Alex told me he said, Coach, I prayed for you and I love you. You know, I’m thankful for his family for raising him that way. Because, you know, being close to death as I was, I’m thankful to God and I’m thankful for God placing people like Alex in my life.”

“Coach Sikes is the best friend. I love Coach Sikes.”

As a result of their team-first mindset, Alex learned how to run the clock and sweep the floor, doing a little bit of just about everything. This led to the Warriors honoring him during the team’s annual banquet as the namesake for the Alex Stewart Award, exemplifying the true meaning of family. “The guys have taken him in. I mean, he hugs all the guys. He’s excited to see them. We’re talking about statistics, right? In sports. I think, Alex averages about eight hugs a day to Coach Sikes.”

Aside from the ‘Daily Alex Hug Meter,’ Alex lets his game speak for itself with a little friendly smack talk. “Who’s your favorite basketball player? Me!”

After pleading with Coach Sikes to put him in, Coach finally named Alex to the junior varsity squad this year. Now, Alex will be on the court rocking number 20, ready for the whole school to cheer him on. “I think the jersey and more than anything was just special to him. And he didn’t know what was coming. I didn’t call his mom and tell her it was coming. I knew that she would be ecstatic but I know that it meant a lot to Alex and he’s meant a lot to me.” “Well, he’s a best friend Coach Sikes.”