February 6, 2026 — At just 14 years old, McEachern's Alvin Pettway Jr. is learning early life lessons in resilience, patience, and dedication. The high school freshman is a rare basketball talent. At 6-foot-8, he's also a rare height. The towering gentle giant has been playing since second grade, but a routine medical exam two years ago revealed something wasn't right with Alvin's growth. The doctor said it was scoliosis.

"It wasn’t something I was born with," Alvin, known as AP, explained. "It was happening because I was growing so fast."

To correct the growth issue, doctors inserted titanium rods into his back last April to stabilize his spine, forcing him to step away from the court for three months. For a young athlete with big dreams, three months can sound like an eternity. It could have been devastating; instead, it became motivation for AP.

"It doesn’t affect me now," AP said confidently. "I’ve been working hard on strengthening my back, so it won’t bother me when I play."

With his eyes fixed on playing professionally one day, AP knows he has a long road ahead. He wants to improve enough during his last three years of high school to be recognized as a McDonald's All-American — one of the top players in the country. It’s a lofty goal—but one he backs up with relentless work.

"No days off. Just work daily. Every day and every night," AP said about his routine. "I want to be great. I want to have my jersey retired. Hopefully be a one-and-done [in college] and get drafted to the NBA. That’s my goal."

A Strong Support Network

McEachern Head Coach Tre Anchrum agrees with AP's vision for the future. 

"He’s got a very high IQ," Coach Tre said. "The only thing holding him back right now is that he’s scared to use it. He's young, but he’s beginning to understand the grit of the game, and he has the stamina and the willingness to work through the tough parts."

In fact, Coach Tre says that AP reminds him of someone else on the Indian bench, Assistant Coach Ben Davis.

"I played against Ben when I was 17 years old. He was an animal; he had the same personality, the same grit, the same toughness that he has now," Coach Tre said with a smile. "I knew getting him and AP together was a perfect match because they cannot outwork each other. Ben was a McDonald's All-American, played college ball at Arizona, and played in the NBA. There are certain things that only he can teach AP because of his own experiences."

The duo has worked out just as Coach Tre anticipated. When AP was cleared to return, he began working out with Coach Davis in the gym and on the court.

"They have been in the gym every day since August. They have not missed a day. Having someone like Ben in front of him is huge for AP," Coach Tre observed.

Coach Davis believes AP's potential is high and that the sky is the limit for this young basketball talent. "He has great parents who support him every step of the way," he said. "He will be successful because he has a huge team behind him who love him and want the best for him. He's already successful in that regard."

Going from a major spine surgery to playing high-level high school basketball in less than eight months is a remarkable achievement. The physical demands are difficult enough, but his coaches know that this is only one aspect of the game. Mental toughness and confidence are just as important to AP's overall development as an elite player. 

His confidence is beginning to show. AP recently posted double-digit scoring performances and recorded several double-doubles. These are positive signs that the young player is starting to settle into his role.

Opposing teams are taking notice, too. As an inside player, AP is constantly grabbed, pushed, and physically tested on both ends of the court. It comes with the territory.

"That’s what happens at his size," Coach Tre explained. "They want to see how he reacts. He's scared to take risks and make mistakes, and I tell him, it's ok to make mistakes—but commit and make them full speed. He's getting it."

Looking Forward

McEachern has a long history of top players, and their schedule is far from easy. They regularly play some of the best teams in the country to begin their season and then have to contend with local powerhouse teams like Campbell, Hillgrove, and Pebblebrook during region play. They are currently first in Region 3-6A, with the tournament beginning next week. 

"The competition is very fast," AP said about the level of talent in high school. "A lot of strength, and some are taller than me. As a team, we have to play defense, rebound, and run our plays right. As an individual, I study film and my matchups, so I can contribute and play connected with the team. I have to adjust and be ready for anything."

For a freshman coming off major surgery, standing on the court at all is an accomplishment. But for AP, that's in the past; he has his eyes set on what lies ahead. And if his will and determination are any indication, the future for this McEachern Indian looks bright.