Kobe Bryant's death leaves a powerful impact on local athletes who share his first name

Tyner's Kobe Smith (24) tries to get around the defense of Brainerd's Trey Owten (3).  The Brainerd Panthers visited the Tyner Rams  in TSSAA boys' basketball action on February 8, 2019. / Staff file photo by Robin Rudd
Tyner's Kobe Smith (24) tries to get around the defense of Brainerd's Trey Owten (3). The Brainerd Panthers visited the Tyner Rams in TSSAA boys' basketball action on February 8, 2019. / Staff file photo by Robin Rudd

In a clip from the 1993 movie "Sandlot," Babe Ruth's character has a powerful message: "Remember, kid, there's heroes and there's legends. Heroes get remembered but legends never die. Follow your heart kid, and you'll never go wrong."

For the rest of time Kobe Bryant's legend likely will only grow. The former Los Angeles Lakers superstar had an unstoppable drive on the basketball court and love for others off of it that inspired millions across the world.

The day after Bryant's death in a helicopter crash, Tyner Academy senior standout Kobe Smith wore his No. 24 high school jersey shooting fadeaway jumpers in the gym to honor his namesake and favorite player.

"Kobe was one person I really looked up to. He was my role model even though I never met him," Smith said. "I loved everything about his game, the hours he put in the gym when no one else was there. The way he loved basketball really meant a lot and has inspired me."

Scoring 81 points against the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 22, 2006, among many highlights, Bryant had an attack mentality as fierce as any in sports history.

"I always loved to watch Kobe play because of his skill level. When I was coaching, Kobe was the guy all the kids would pattern their game after," legendary former Brainerd High School coach Robert High said Sunday. "I used to tell our kids that only one person can wear number 24, because everybody wanted to be like him. I coached so many kids named Kobe in the last few years of my career, it was unbelievable. His legacy will never die."

Bryant's closing act not only resulted in a 60-point final game, but he gave back to the game he loved by giving young athletes a place to grow and have fun while playing at the Mamba Sports Academy.

Of the thousands of young basketball players he impacted, his greatest came coaching his 13-year-old daughter Gigi, who was a sensational athlete in the making. She was also taken tragically in the crash that claimed nine lives on Sunday morning.

In Ringgold, Georgia, Heritage High School basketball and football standout Kobe McAllister was given his first name by his father, who was a huge Kobe Bryant fan. McAllister has dreams that he, too, can give back to others in a meaningful way and bring honor to his namesake.

"Kobe always gave back to his fans and the youth," said McAllister, who is a Cincinnati football signee. "I hope someday to have enough influence to give back and impact lives like he did. Either way, I hope to be a great father one day like he was and have a lasting impact on my own children."

After a tragic day befell a world not ready to say goodbye, the tears and heartbreaks can still can push us to live to our fullest potential. Untimely death shows how precious life is and the importance of not taking anything for granted.

"Kobe was a great father and husband," Smith said. "What he did on the court and what he was doing off of it was great. His death has made me realize anything can happen at any hour, second or minute of the day. It's a tough pill to swallow, but I am a better person and leader on and off the court thanks to the example he set."

Shared McAllister: "My heart aches for all those who were lost in the tragic accident. For myself and the rest of his millions of fans, the Black Mamba will always be forever in my heart. Every breath we take matters."

Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.

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