Junior small forward Joshua Wallace’s time has come, and he is making the most of it. As a two-year varsity letterman on the Yates High School basketball team, Wallace has stepped into his role as one of the team’s go-to players this season. His ability to knock down open threes and contribute valuable minutes has cemented his place on the varsity squad, but his journey to this point has been anything but easy.
“Joshua adds toughness to our team,” said Yates assistant varsity basketball coach Eddie Barlow. “He has a high basketball IQ, he’s very smart, he’s coachable and he’s a leader. He communicates well with the team, and next to the point guard, he’s our second coach on the floor.”
When he arrived at Yates as a freshman, Wallace knew he had potential. He also understood the importance of hard work. He put his head down and committed to the grind, earning everything he’s achieved. Now a dual-sport athlete excelling in basketball and football, Wallace’s dedication to improvement is paying off.
“All the hours I’ve put in behind the scenes are starting to pay off, both in sports and in the classroom. I have a 4.2 GPA,” said Wallace.
During the off-season, Wallace focused on getting stronger and more confident with the ball in his hands. He sharpened his instincts on defense and developed a better understanding of floor spacing which led to him becoming a more consistent shooter from the three-point line.
“I didn’t just watch the film; I studied film. I watched film for hours on how what to do and what not to do. Most of all I stayed true to myself,” said Wallace.
At the 3rd Ward Jamboree, Wallace scored 15 points after shooting 5-of-7 from beyond the arc in a victory over the Hightower Hurricanes. Rather than letting early success breed complacency, Wallace, driven by his faith and determination, remained grounded.
“I started acknowledging God first in anything I did, instead only praying when I needed him,” said Wallace.
Faith has always been a cornerstone of Wallace’s life. Growing up, Wallace served as an usher at his church, Windsor Village. Over time, Wallace’s prayers became more focused, and his dedication to his faith in God deepened. That spiritual commitment, he believes, has been a key factor in his growth on and off the court.
“Once I changed my prayers and trusted God more, everything began to work for me,” said Wallace. “Now, I’m having fun playing the sport I love.”
Wallace’s success this season can also be attributed to the inspiration he draws from those around him. He has long admired the work ethic of his senior teammates Calvin Murphy, a point guard, and Jordan Andrus, a power forward. Watching their dedication to the game has motivated Wallace to elevate his own efforts.
Additionally, his cousin Sebastian Williams Adams, a 4-star senior committed to Auburn University, has been a role model. Wallace studies Adams’ playing style and incorporates elements of it into his own game.
“I watched how Jordan and Murphy came to practice everyday and worked. That pushed me to be the player I am today, along with Coach Wise and Coach Eddie Barlow. I try to model my game after my cousin Sebastian Williams Adams because he’s good at getting downhill while making plays for his teammates,” said Wallace.
Interestingly, Wallace prefers to watch women’s basketball over men’s and is inspired by their discipline and teamwork.
“I enjoy watching more women’s basketball because they focus more on fundamentals instead of just shooting a lot of threes,” said Wallace.
This unique perspective has helped shape his approach to basketball and refine his skills.
As the season progresses, Wallace continues to shine. His journey is a testament to the power of faith, focus and hard work. Whether on the court or off, Wallace’s dedication is inspiring, and he’s proving that his time is now. Yates fans can expect to see even more from this rising star as he makes the most of every opportunity.
About Joshua Wallace:
Class: 2026
IG: @Jdwallace_
Twitter: @Jdwallace_
Position: Small forward
Height & weight: 6-feet-3, 195 pounds
Favorite artist: Rod Wave
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subject: Algebra 2
Shout-outs: Coach Barlow, Coach Greg Wise , Coach Rafael Thomas, and Mom (Micquell Wallace)
