Sarah Thompson
Tensas High School senior Deon Percy has etched his name into Panther history, surpassing 1,000 career points during a district matchup against General Trass High School in January. The St. Joseph native, wearing jersey number 0, reached the milestone in front of a home crowd that has watched him grow from a determined sixth‑grader into one of the most dynamic players in the parish.
Percy, the son of Willie Percy and Anna Hemphill, has long been known for his versatility on the court. Though officially a shooting guard, he steps into any position the Panthers need, bringing leadership and intensity to every role. His favorite performance of the season came in a hard‑fought game against St. Frederick, where he poured in 33 points and recorded a double‑double. Even in a loss, Percy considers it his best game. “It was a great game and my best performance,” he said. For Percy, the 1,000‑point milestone is more than a sta‑tistic. It’s a reflection of discipline, growth, and gratitude. “Without God it wouldn’t have happened,” he said. “My teammates helped me do it. Basketball got me where I am today. I have a better mind than I had before I started. It made me more disciplined.” He also offered a heartfelt “special shout out” to his girlfriend, Zaria Boxley, for her support. As the Panthers prepare for the LHSAA Division IV Boys Basketball playoffs, Percy is locked in. “Tensas is playoff‑mode ready. Ain’t no playing. Straight pressure from here. Whoever switched up stay on their side,” he said with the confidence and fire that have defined his senior season. The playoff results will come after this issue goes to print, but Percy’s achievement stands on its own — a milestone no one can take away. Tensas High School Principal Dr. Mateo Lopez praised Percy’s impact both on and off the court. “He is a great student and strong leader. I think he’s going to accomplish remarkable things,” Lopez said. Head Coach Hollis Meadows echoed that sentiment. “Since I’ve been with Deon, he’s shown strong leadership characteristics,” Meadows said. “He motivates the team to pull together and has helped us get to the playoffs. Deon leads by example and is a big brother to others both on and off the court.” With graduation approaching, Percy already has his eyes on the future. His goals are simple and bold: go to college and become a millionaire. Given his drive, discipline, and determination, few would bet against him. For now, though, the Panthers celebrate a senior who has left his mark – a player whose 1,000‑point milestone reflects years of work, heart, and hometown pride.
