BELLEVIEW, FL (352today.com) – Ethan Craig likes having a ball – literally and figuratively.
His older brother, Spencer a firefighter and paramedic with Marion County Fire Rescue, had a passion for basketball. Although eight years his senior, Ethan learned a lot of valuable lessons from his sibling. His parents say he always played at a level higher than his age at the YMCA, honing his skills against more experienced players.
“My brother pushed me, doing some of the fundamental things,” said Ethan, who is now 17 years old and a rising senior. “I would hate working on lay-ups, and he would push me to keep doing lay-ups.”
Ethan’s coachability, consistency and discipline have proved valuable on the hardwood and gridiron.
He began playing both flag football and basketball at the age of five, competing against athletes a year older than he was until he reached 10 or 11 years of age. He transitioned to the sport teams at Souls Harbor Christian Academy in Belleview, during his freshman year in high school.
However, it wasn’t all seamless for Ethan, as a flag football position change found him moving from wide receiver to quarterback, where he had to make a series of adjustments. But he knew the coaches well and they had confidence in his ability.
He had to change his mindset, to one that was more cerebral, thinking about everyone else’s routes rather than just his own, and about the defense.
Ethan guided Souls Harbor Christian Academy to the Sunshine Christian League flag football title. He was selected All Conference by the Sunshine Christian League for basketball for the 2022-23 season and flag football for the 2023-24 season. The Eagles were undefeated state champions in flag football this past season.
A high basketball IQ and confidence in his ability has helped Ethan succeed on the hardwood. His talents have served him well and enjoying sharing his knowledge with less experienced and younger players as he’s grown into a leader.
“I tell them, ‘They should concentrate on their role,'” said Ethan. “Most kids want to go out there and have a 30-point game, but that’s not what’s needed or asked of them. Some players can play great defense, but can’t make a shot, stick to defense.”
Sports are something that Ethan gravitated toward naturally, being that he enjoyed it. But he’s far from one-dimensional.
He’s involved with his church. He’s a musician, playing guitar and piano. He gives guitar lessons to students aged 6 to 16. He recently finished second in a music competition in Arkansas, one that was judged by recording artists.
“He composed a piece and did it on his guitar,” said Angel Craig, Ethan’s mother.
Academics are also at the forefront of Ethan’s life. He’s enrolled at the College of Central Florida and is working toward his Associate of Arts degree. He hopes to obtain it by the time he graduates from high school. He would like to work toward his undergraduate degree at the University of Florida, and major in engineering.
“He has diverse interests and has excelled at multiple things, without being consumed by one of them,” said Steven Craig, Ethan’s father. “He’s self-motivated. We’ve never had to push him for anything. He sees a goal, and he goes after it.”
Ethan took the entrance exam to assess his readiness for college coursework as a rising junior and obtained a perfect score in the math section of the test. He scored above average in the English and reading portions.
His family believes early introduction to music helped develop Ethan’s math skills. He’s gifted in that he has the ability to play by ear.
“Math goes hand-in-hand with music, and he started with music lessons at a young age,” said Steven. ”
Only one percent of students who take the exam attain a perfect score.
“I’ve always wanted to do the best I can,” said Ethan. “It helps when you have parents who are interested in seeing you do well, to make good grades and encourage your interests.”