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WVU Signee Josiah Harris: Great Player, Better Person

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NORTON, Ohio – Josiah Harris is a great kid.

The West Virginia basketball signee is one of the best players in the state of Ohio, but he’s a better person.

“You’re coming all the way down from West Virginia, you can ask as many questions as you want,” Harris told me just hours before his state playoff game on Friday.

Fast forward to later that night. Harris led Richmond Heights to an OHSAA District Title, behind 22 points from the 6-foot-7 forward. The Spartans defeated Cornerstone Christian, 83-63. Harris is living out a dream of his: to win a state title. You would think that an 18-year-old kid who’s on top of the basketball world in his state would be celebrating with his teammates the entire time or taking many questions from the media.

Nope, Harris went right to the people that have helped him all along the way: his family.

“My parents are the reason I am where I’m at right now,” Harris said. “They have always believed in me and been great role models to me. My siblings motivate me each day because I want to be someone they can look up to. I just love them so much.”

As Harris’ teammates were cutting down the nets, the future Mountaineer was searching for his family in a crowd on the court. Harris found them and soaked in the moment with his loved ones.

Don’t worry, though. Harris did eventually get to formally celebrate with his teammates and cut down the net.

“It’s a blessing, got the dub and now it’s onto regionals,” Harris said after the celebration.

Richmond Heights will take on Castalia Margaretta in the regional semifinals on Tuesday night, in Canton. In his senior campaign, Harris is averaging 19.7 points and 10.5 rebounds, helping Richmond Heights to a 21-4 record and just four wins away from a state championship. As great of a player that Harris is, he’s been working on becoming a better leader.

“Just being more of a vocal leader, not just leading by example,” he said.

Harris is the size of a forward, but plays like a guard. The 3-star recruit can score at all three levels on the court. Harris can drive to the rim and score, while spreading out the floor and testing his range from three.

“I feel I can bring leadership, winning plays, rebounding and shot making,” he said. “I can shoot it from anywhere on the floor. I can be versatile on defense and offense.”

After Harris is finished with his high school career, the Cleveland native will head to Morgantown to help give the Mountaineers a fresh, new look.

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