Ke’Darrion Parson, or as he’s often known on the basketball court, “KD,” just wanted one chance at the next level. There were moments when he doubted he would get it, but right when he started to think his dreams might not come true, things finally fell into place.

Last week, Parson accepted an offer to be a walk-on with Meridian Community College.
Parson said it felt good to finally know what the next chapter in his basketball career held.

“It feels really good to get an offer to walk on at all,” Parson said. “I‘ve just been patient the whole time. I felt like I was going to give up at first, but I just prayed to God and they called me the next day.”

Parson starred for Vicksburg High and was crucial in a midseason turnaround that led to an appearance in the second round of the Class 5A playoffs. Parson was a basketball Swiss Army knife for the Gators, not only leading the team in scoring with 12.9 points per game, but also pulling down a team high 4.9 rebounds while playing a key role in keeping the offense flowing with 3.5 assists per game.

Parson also showed out on defense and led the team with 1.7 steals.

“It was kind of tough at the end of the season. It was a heartbreaking season, but we pulled through the hard way and never gave up,” Parson said. “I just thanked God that I could play at the next level.”

What really stood out to Parson was the players he’ll be suiting up with next season.

“It’s the teammates, the team around there. They’re all very friendly, and unselfish, they do a lot of ball movement there,” Parson said.

Parson felt he would fit right in with Meridian’s offensive system.

Though his time wearing green and white for the Gators had come to a close, Parson said he was excited to don green and white for Meridian and start working with his new teammates.

Walking on is never easy, but Parson was confident that he would get opportunities with the Eagles. All he wanted was his chance, and now he finally has it.

“With the ball movement, I’m a pass-first player,” Parson said. “I’m very unselfish myself, so I’ll pass them the ball, they’ll pass me the ball, and we’ll work together to find good open shots.”