Erik Durham is far from a brash talker on (or off) the court. He simply lets his play do the talking.
The Parkview High School senior made a resounding statement on Jan. 15 when he set the program’s single-game scoring record with 44 points in a home win over West Plains.
"I couldn't really feel anything," Durham said about his record-setting night. "My body went numb and I was in the zone.
"Everything seemed to be going in, so I just kept shooting.”
Durham had 40 points late in the contest when Vikings coach Bill Brown planned to sub out the senior. After double checking with an assistant coach on Durham’s point total, Brown gave the 6-foot-3 guard a little extra time to re-write the PHS basketball record books.
Durham wasn’t one to jump in the spotlight. When he received the game ball afterwards, he elected to give it back for his team to sign. The ball will be placed in the trophy case gallery in front of the gym.
"He fits in really well at Parkview," Brown said. "He's a kid that's not looking for the spotlight. He's willing to pass, set screens. He does the types of things that help your team be successful."
And Parkview certainly has seen success this season, amassing a 15-3 overall record after Tuesday night’s conference loss at Kickapoo.
Brown said not many people expected the Vikings to have 15 wins at this point of the season, even admitting he had his own doubts.
Durham’s increased scoring output has keyed Parkview’s turnaround. Brown said Durham’s scoring took a noticeable jump after Christmas a season ago.
“He deferred more as a freshman and sophomore,” said Brown, noting when Durham was alongside upperclassmen like current college players Korry Tillery and Taylor Acord.
Durham has a chance to go out as the winningest player in school history if the Vikings reach 20 wins this season.
Durham is keeping his college options open. Brown said Durham has received interest from all levels, from Division I to Division II to JUCO.
Durham said he doesn’t have a level preference and location isn’t a factor. Academics and “feeling wanted” are the biggest concerns.
Said Brown: “We got to see him in a workout with (Oral Roberts) before the start of the season. He looked like he belonged out there.”
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