TEXARKANA, Texas — Tre Stuart is in his final year at Pleasant Grove High School and has been an integral part of the basketball team.

Stuart has been playing basketball from a young age. When he was six years old, he played basketball in the Upward Sports program.

Upward Sports is a Christian-based, nonprofit organization in which the mission is to promote the discovery of Jesus through sports.

Stuart enjoys being around teammates and home games the most. His performance on the hardwood has been a reason for the Hawks' success. Stuart plays at the forward position.

"Basketball has taught me teamwork and what true dedication means," Stuart said. "Something I like best about Coach (Dwight) McCowan is that he has the same mindset that I have. We, as a team, have the same mindset."

T'Vondrick Henry, Stuart's senior teammate, stated that his goal for the team is to reach state. Stuart has a similar goal in mind that relates to the team playing to their full potential.

"My goal for the team is that we play each game like it is going to be the last game we play," Stuart said. "I try to make everyone around me a better player. My defense is also one of the best things that I bring to the team."

Pleasant Grove's Coach McCowan said that Stuart's best attributes are his on-the-ball defense and his rebounding.

Stuart has most enjoyed the camaraderie part of basketball. The team is like a family, and he believes that spending time with others has been a big part of the fun in playing for the Hawks.

"The most fun part of basketball are the games, bus rides and the team dinners," Stuart said.

McCowan has started the standout senior all year. This season was Stuart's first to be a regular starter for Pleasant Grove. Stuart contributed to the Hawks' solid 9-1 district record, which earned them a share of the District 15-4A championship.

Pleasant Grove (16-6) takes on Kilgore in a Class 4A bi-district playoff game at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Marshall High School.