At 6’3” and 195 pounds it is very difficult not to notice Emmett Brown as he moves effortlessly around the campus of Powhatan High School. It is a far more difficult task to recognize, to truly see who this quiet, unassuming senior really is.

“I do not think we will truly appreciate Emmett Brown and what he has meant to our school until he is gone,” analyzed head basketball coach Steve Washburn.

In athletics, Emmett has pulled down some prestigious awards—All-Region wide receiver and All-District basketball forward for the Indians—but ironically it is his smooth, almost effortless abilities that have failed to get him even more recognition.

Emmett functions on the basketball court and on the football field camouflaged, almost invisible. He blends into his teams so well that you have to concentrate to pick him out and when you do “to watch him you never really think he’s working hard, but he always finds a way to make that special play,” said Washburn. And it’s not just his play on the basketball court that has impressed Coach Washburn. “I’ve paid close attention to him on the football field and he positions his body so well, he makes the game look easy even though he is playing all out. But he is not a headline grabber.”

Emmett goes into the final season of his four-year varsity basketball career knowing he will be called upon for leadership. But, typically, he has his own low-key approach.

“I won’t say too much but will try to do what’s right.  And I’m not the only one, Ethan, Luke and Drew (fellow seniors Lewis, Myers and Carlson) will step in and point out things at certain times,” he said, in possibly the longest statement he has ever made.

What does he want to stress to the younger players? “You can’t do it all by yourself. This is not a ‘Me’ sport,” he said. How does he fit his own game into that philosophy? “I look to pass first. I can be successful if they are successful.”

This is the statement which both characterizes Emmett and frustrates his coach. 

“Emmett’s offensive skills are impressive and he has improved on them playing AAU ball this summer. But he is too unselfish. He is a great teammate and wants to be supportive” Coach Washburn said. “But he has developed a good jump shot and with his uncanny ability to read things and position himself he can contribute much more offensively.”

“Well, hopefully I’ll be more of a scorer this year, but I’ll need to work on finishing with my left hand,” Emmett qualified.

Emmett sees a four year college in next years’ plans with a degree in “some type of Engineering or Business Management.” He has not yet begun to select a school and, to this point, none have approached him. His grades? “Not great, but good enough to get into most schools.”

Strong and spiritual family ties help to define his character. Dad tells him to keep a level head and push himself. Mom keeps him grounded with more practical advice.

“She tells me to take out the trash and get things done,” Emmett confessed. And what does he tell himself? “Keep your head high. Everything happens for a reason.”