Think Madison Academy competes in Class 3A? Think again.
The 6-foot-6 junior guard averaged more points (28 to 24.8) and more rebounds (10.1 to 8.8) against larger schools like Sparkman, Bob Jones, J.O. Johnson, Scottsboro and Columbia. That was in addition to helping the Mustangs go undefeated against 3A opposition en route to the program's second state championship in the past three seasons.
For his accomplishments, Langford is honored here as the Tennessee Valley Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
"Of course, it's more of a challenge," Langford said of playing 4A through 7A in-state teams and bigger schools in Georgia. "I didn't get to play as much against 3A teams because we blew them out a little bit. I sat out earlier than usual. When it's more competitive to me, I'm going to try to bring my game up."
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Madison Academy coach Andy Blackston echoed those sentiments.
"I think Josh likes the challenge," he said. "If you're a great competitor and a great athlete, you want to be faced with challenges. One of the things we talk about a lot in our locker room is, to be the best, you've got to play the best. There's something about playing the best competition that brings the best out of you. And that's true for him. I think it's a sign of a great competitor and a great player; you play your best when your best is needed"
Langford, a 5-star recruits and one of the nation's most coveted players in the Class of 2016, missed three weeks after having finger surgery in early December. He returned a week after The Huntsville Times Classic and helped lead Madison Academy to a 15-4 mark.
"It was interesting because he really grew a lot sitting in those six games and watching the team," Blackston said. "I can remember his first practice back after getting cleared; he was like a different guy. He was so excited to be back on the floor. He had watched us struggle a little from the bench and it turned him up. He wanted to be out there helping his team. So when he had the chance to help his team, he really elevated his game."
Langford agreed that his time on the bench was beneficial.
"I felt like I was a better leader (after returning)," he said. "I was able to see things that I wasn't able to see while I was playing. I matured a whole lot."
Langford is the three-time reigning 3A Player of the Year and he's a finalist for a fourth award. He recently won his second Gatorade Alabama state player of the year honor and is one of the favorites to be named this year's Mr. Basketball.
So, what is there left to motivate Langford for his senior season considering all the hardware he has collected?
"I just think the awards and accolades shouldn't motivate you," he said. "The motivation comes from within. I believe that the outer things shouldn't determine how hard you play."
Note: If Langford wins Mr. Basketball, he will join fellow Mustang and 2014 Mr. Football winner Kerryon Johnson to became only the third duo in state history from the same school to win both awards during the same school year. Huffman's Stanley Robinson and Andre Smith (2005), and Jeff Davis' Isaac Spencer and Gorman Thornton (1995) previously pulled off the basketball-football sweep.
2015 ALL-TENNESSEE VALLEY BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM
Player of the Year: Joshua Langford, Madison Academy, Jr., G, 6-6
Averaged 24.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks while helping lead the Mustangs to a Class 3A state championship. ... Scored a season-high 39 points in an overtime win over 5A state champ Johnson. ... Pulled down a season-high 17 boards in that game and against 7A Sparkman. .. Shot 54 percent from the field, 45.3 percent from 3-point range and 74 percent from the free-throw line. ... Named Class 3A first-team All-State and 3A tournament MVP.
Coach of the Year: Ronnie Stapler, West Morgan, Sr.
Daniel Boyette covers Huntsville region high school sports for The Alabama Media Group and The Huntsville Times. Write to him at dboyette@al.com.
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