Troy Fantroy knows how to jump.

The Pleasant Home freshman is quick to get off the basketball court on either end and grab a rebound or putback for his Eagles.

In fact, Fantroy said he tries his best every game and pushes it to the max.

Fantroy’s effort on the court and average of nine rebounds per game earned him The Star-News’ Player of the Week honors.

The Boykin, Ala., native began playing basketball fresh in seventh grade.

Fantroy said he wanted a challenge.

“I thought it was an exciting sport,” he said. “I felt like I needed a new goal to accomplish.”

Pleasant Home’s center was moved up to the varsity level in the eighth grade.

Eagles coach Jerry Davis said not only does Fantroy give his team a good inside game, he also gives PHS something to cherish on defense.

“All of these people will get around the basket and he’s such a quick jumper that he just explodes,” Davis said. “All of a sudden, there’s a hand above you.”

Davis said Fantroy started as a defensive player and that his offensive play is coming around.

On Tuesday, Fantroy helped the Eagles edge Geneva County 59-56 to win the Class 1A, Area 2 crown, which gave PHS the opportunity to host J.F. Shields in the sub regional round.

Fantroy got key rebounds and pull up jump shots during the game to pace PHS in the victory.

“It was the championship,” Fantroy said Tuesday night. “I wanted this because we haven’t had it in three years. Why not make things change?”

While a ninth grader, Fantroy said it’s been hard because everybody around him is a lot bigger.

“It’s a lot of pressure,” he said. “You’ve got to work hard.”

Fantroy said Davis told the team after Tuesday’s game that they were going to have to work hard against J.F. Shields.

“He told us that it’s not going to be easy,” the freshman said. “We’re going to have to play hard and play smart. Work as a team.”

Troy is the son of Willie and Elizabeth Fantroy of Andalusia.