Uthaymin Laws and Isaac Cole arrived at Universal Audenried via different paths, but they’ve found a home.
Laws, a junior transfer from Academy at Palumbo, and Cole, a senior from West Catholic, are now two of the primary performers for Audenried’s basketball program.
They are both making the most of their high school days in Grays Ferry.
“We’re still learning each other because this is our first year really playing with each other,” said Laws, a quick-footed guard who can handle and shoot. “There’s ups and downs but in practices we are becoming more of a family. We’re just trying to push each other harder every day.”
It goes beyond the basketball court.
Cole said he is pushing harder through the next chapter of his life and he’s enjoying his new surroundings in South Philly.
“I’m a young man now, but just being a kid and making mistakes,” said Cole, a towering, lanky guard. “For example, not going to class or letting my anger get the best of me in certain situations. I’m just trying to figure out life. And off the court, where we come from, the environment is different from a lot of people. It’s normal to us but it might be different to some people. You have to learn how to get through it.”
They are learning together.
Cole, who grew up in Delaware County and now lives in West Philly, is hoping Audenried proves to be a beacon to attract colleges, where he hopes to play college ball and study psychology.
Cole believes he can play just about anywhere on the court.
“What you see is me shooting, but that’s not my strength,” Cole said with a smile. “I’m going to let the people find out.”
His backcourt partner has a lot figured out already.
Laws, a South Philly resident, is heavily involved both on and off the court.
In school, he takes part in the engineering and technology club, drama club and video game club.
He hopes to study engineering in the future and has a drive to create on his own.
“Growing up, my house didn’t have certain things that I see on TV,” Laws said. “I’ve learned that if you want something done, you need to get it done yourself. If I want a certain dresser that I’ve seen in a TV show, it would be better if I knew how to build it myself to where I don’t need help. But also if help was offered, I can work well with other people.”
Audenried’s tough start to the season hasn’t dimmed any expectations moving forward.
The Rockets were 2-6 following a 70-61 loss to Archbishop Ryan on Dec. 21 in the Difference Makers Showcase at Life Center Academy in New Jersey.
But they held a 2-2 record in the Philadelphia Public League A Division standings heading into January.
“The season is going great. I’m having fun,” Cole said. “There’s always stuff in between of the long-term goals that are out of your control. But these are my family. These are my brothers. I would do anything for them.”
Laws shared the same mainframe.
“I knew some of the guys on the team before I got here,” Laws said. “We’ve played basketball our whole life. But as an actual organized basketball team, this is our first time really playing with each other.”
Intertwined over the last few months, Cole and Laws are now on the same path.
“It’s the same goal,” Cole said. “It’s the same people from the same city. It’s just two different ways of getting to where we need to go. He’s my brother now.”
