When anyone watches Shaton Daniels dribble the basketball at lightning speed, they must wonder how he doesn't lose control of the rock. I'm guessing he probably runs the forty-yard dash in about 4.5 or 4.6 seconds, with the basketball maybe 4.7 seconds. At 5' 11" wearing number one, Shaton has played such a huge role as the point guard for the McKay Royal Scots in Salem, Oregon. He is one of the reasons the team's overall record is ten wins and three losses. In GVC (Greater Valley Conference), it's four wins and one loss thus far.
Shaton Daniels Jr. was raised in the south side of Elizabeth, New Jersey. His dad is Shaton Sr. and his mom is Tanequa. He has a younger sister, Shanai, and an older sister, Jazymne. He grew up in a rough neighborhood and knew which areas to stay away from. He developed a friendship with many kids in the area. Shaton was also very close to his cousins.
Shaton goes by the nickname, "Bam". When his mom ran track in high school, that was her nickname. Tanequa's coaches and friends called her Bam, she must have been quite the athlete in her days. Tanequa gave birth to Shaton while still in high school. She decided to pass on the nickname to her son.
When he was a six year-old, a friend's brother invited him to come play basketball in the park with everyone else. This friend saw the athleticism and he started encouraging Shaton. This was an inspiration to start playing the game of basketball.
"I always liked football and never played basketball. But this guy kept telling me that I could really be a good player if I worked at it more, so I started playing more with my friends, " Shaton said.
Shaton attended Benjamin Franklin Elementary and Christopher Columbus Middle School in New Jersey. It was during middle school that he started playing organized basketball for the school. He also played on an AAU team called the Pirates Elites. Not having the funds for travel expenses, his family would go door-to-door asking for donations. They raised enough money for him to be part of the team. It's expensive to play on an AAU team, uniforms; hotels; meals; shoes, and fees. Their door-to-door option worked. The Daniels family went on to help one of Shaton's friends raise money. His friend did not have the money to play on the team and really wanted to.
"I like helping people, and I was glad that my friend was able to play on the team with me, he really wanted to so bad, " Shaton said.
When he was promoted to high school his parents wanted to focus on a high school that would prepare him for college classes. They enrolled him at Alexander Hamilton High School -- a prep school. This school had many students that lived in upper-class neighborhoods, which was the contrast from where Shaton lived.
"That was definitely tough for me. The kids were different, we had to wear uniforms to school and all, I really didn't like that part, I found a way to adjust. I liked the school because of the courses that would prepare me for college," Shaton said.
In New Jersey, the competition is a little tougher as far as making the high school basketball team. Thousands of kids try out from all five schools in the area. Shaton tried out as a freshman, but the result was not good, he was cut from the team. He was very disappointed because he really loved basketball and wanted to play on a team.
Shaton is a laid-back and quiet type of kid. He is always observing and thinking. He likes to joke around in a quiet way, but definitely not in a bubbly way. He is a driven person that wants to succeed in anything he does.
In the year 2014 things got a little dark for Shaton -- he struggled emotionally with what was happening, not just getting cut from the team, but another thing that was even more serious. He was very close to his cousin, Quadriqe Pretlow, they would hang out together many times. During school Quadriqe was bullied by many people, he was called names that I won't write on here. This left Shaton sad and discouraged.
"People picked on Quadriqe in school every day calling him names. He eventually committed suicide by hanging himself," Shaton said.
The neighborhood that Shaton lived in started going downhill and the violence was getting worse. It wasn't safe to live there anymore and his parents started thinking of how they could move out of the area. With friends and family there it was not an easy choice to make. They had been a part of that community for many years.
Shaton always talked to his mom and dad about Oregon and how he loved the University of Oregon's colors and uniforms. He would hint to his parents that some day he would love to attend college in Oregon somewhere. One day his mom asked him, "How would you like to go to school in Salem, Oregon?"
"I was like, really? I couldn't believe it! That was like a dream come true for me," Shaton said.
The Daniels moved their entire family to N.E. Salem, Oregon, where they have embraced the community. His dad landed a job in construction and his mom enrolled in the nursing program at Chemeketa Community College.
A big change like that is not easy, especially for a quiet kid like Shaton. Coming into McKay High School was a challenge, he had to open up and ask people questions. He was not familiar with the surroundings, the people, or the staff. It was somewhat of a culture shock to him.
That all changed when, as a junior, he tried out for the varsity basketball team. His speed and ball handling was noticed right away. Shaton made the team and his spirits were lifted so high that it put a huge smile on his face. Shaton and his family are adapting to the community and finding some light to their huge change, not only in a geographical area, but also in the diverse people they are around. Now in his senior year, Shaton has exploded to becoming a major contributor of his basketball team.
#1 Shaton Daniels flies past a McNary defender. Photo by Kent Brewer
Shaton is one of the hardest workers I've ever seen, he picks up skill sets rapidly. I've had the pleasure of being around him and watching him play, not only at practices, but at games as well.
Assistant Coach Matt Espinoza says, "Shaton has made a huge improvement as a basketball player from last season to this season. It's all thanks to the commitment he made to showing up to off-season workouts. I'm excited to see how his senior year develops in the coming months."
One of Shaton's most memorable moments in basketball happened this season during the McKay-North Salem game where he dropped 24 points in one night helping his team cruise to a GVC win.
"I had never scored 24 points in a game. That was definitely a great moment, but playing for McKay with these guys is a greater moment. We trust each other -- it's a great bond. I've never had a team like this. Coming from New Jersey I didn't know anyone, and now with basketball, I was able to make friends and I was able to feel welcomed and accepted," Shaton said.
Shaton (far right) and the 2016-2017 McKay Varsity Basketball Team.
Shaton is still learning on the basketball court, his progress has been a vital part to the team and it's success this season. At every practice and every game Shaton puts in a one-hundred percent effort and nothing less.
Head Coach Dean Sanderson says, "Shaton has really grown up from last year. We are able to count on him to give great effort and we know he will be out on the floor at the end of close games. I believe he is one of the most improved players in the league. I'm excited to see what is next for him as he concludes his high school basketball career in the next few months."
While Shaton is very active in sports playing wide receiver in football and point guard in basketball, he is also focused on not getting distracted from his studies. He enjoys studying at home where it's quiet and he can concentrate. Getting good grades is something he takes seriously.
Join me in wishing Shaton Daniels the best in his senior year and in his future. And if you can, come to a McKay High School basketball game -- you won't be disappointed.
Shaton, what is your favorite subject in school?
Math and History
What is your short-term goal?
I want to help our basketball team make the playoffs. And I'd like to graduate with at least a 3.0 GPA.
What is your long-term goal?
I'd like to get a job that has to do with numbers since I like math, maybe an engineer someday. I'd also like to play college sports.
What are your hobbies?
I like playing videos games, listening to music -- hip-hop. I also like hanging out with my teammates.
What advice can you give a young athlete?
Keep working hard and don't give up. Stay motivated, if you think you can do it, you will.
What is something no one knows about you?
I always wanted to play baseball. The problem was that I asked my parents if I could play all the sports. They couldn't afford all of the sports, so they gave me two choices. I picked football and basketball.