DAX FRYE – BREAKING BARRIERS
By Michael Bray
Many things influence a person in their life, shaping them to be what they become. In the case of Dax Frye, who plays basketball for the Panama Razorbacks, there is no question about the source of his.
“It’s my family due to their influences and pushing me to be who I am with discipline, knowledge, and guidance,” he said. “I have been taught to treat people with respect and to work hard at whatever I do. Each day life teaches new things, and I grow from those.”
That is not without its challenges. And Frye had to overcome a big one.
“I was undersized and moved from Wisconsin my sophomore year to a new school,” said Frye. “I continued to work hard to improve my skills and spent endless hours in the gym.”
The result of all of that hard work?
Becoming a starter on the varsity team as a sophomore, which has been his best memory to this point.
“He really grew up in a short amount of time. Coming into a new environment, a new system and new kids,” said Panama head coach Wes Tackett. “He has done a great job of taking care of the ball, making great decisions and really gets after it defensively. At 5 ‘8 Dax rebounds the ball really well. He’s really starting to settle in and his best is yet to come for sure.”
You could say that his journey to playing basketball began while he was in elementary school. That is where he met Peyton Brown, his role model. “I first met Peyton when he was playing in the Bill Frye Classic. Peyton was in high school playing in the tournament,” said Frye. “I loved watching him. He was a good basketball player with good work ethics that went on to play in college. We have stayed in touch, and he has continued to encourage me.”
That encouragement has paid off as Frye added that hard work, hustle, unselfishness and positive attitude is a major part in his lifestyle and has helped him become a better teammate. His goals exemplify that.
“I want to continue being a starter and good leader for the rest of my high school years, and going deep into the playoffs with a chance to win it all,” he said. “I just need to continue to work hard and keep spending time in the gym.”
