Worthing High School’s Courtland Sloan, a standout athlete and two-year letterman, is making waves in basketball as he prepares to transition to the collegiate level.
At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Sloan has become a cornerstone for the Worthing Colts. The senior small forward is known for his leadership, sharp jumper, and ability to attack the basket with precision.
“On and off the court Courtland continues to give 110%,” said head coach Kaylon Smith. “Courtland’s drive to become a better player each day is unmatched. He doesn’t miss practice, games, workout sessions, open gyms anything. Courtland pushes himself every day.”
Sloan’s basketball journey began to pick up during his junior year when he earned Newcomer of the Year and a spot on 2nd Team All-District. His breakout summer performance at the GASO Summer Championship further cemented his status. He averaged 25 points per game and was named MVP.
“My junior year I stayed in the gym and weight room, working on my weight and my jump shot. I went from weighing 220 pounds to 205. It felt good to see all my hard work pay off and show people who said I wasn’t going to do it. It felt good proving them wrong,” said Sloan.
This momentum has carried into his senior year where he was recently named to HISD’s All-Tournament 1st Team after dropping 24 points in the gold divisional game against Mickey Leland College Prep. His consistent play has made him a key player for the Colts, leading the team with 21.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, according to MaxPreps.
Off the court, Sloan is charting a new course for his family as the first to have the opportunity to play basketball at the collegiate level. He has offers from Cedar Valley College of Biblical Studies and Tougaloo College and has taken unofficial visits to both Lamar University and Prairie View A&M University.
“I’ll be the first to play in college. My mom played basketball at Worthing High School and graduated in 1999, so playing sports there and knowing I have her as my biggest fan means a lot just to look in the stands and watch her cheer me on. Every game I play hard to create a legacy for my family,” said Sloan.
Sloan is methodical about his next steps, prioritizing academic excellence, a winning athletic culture and personal development in his search for the right program.
“I’m looking for a program where I can grow as a student, an athlete, and a person,” said Sloan.
To prepare for the demands of college basketball, Sloan is focused on enhancing his ball-handling skills. He trains under the guidance of Tommy Mason Griffin, a former Madison High School and Oklahoma Sooners point guard, after a recommendation from Coach Kaylin Smith.
Sloan also studies the games of Rutgers guard Dylan Harper and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, aiming to incorporate their techniques into his game.
“I like the way Dylan Harper plays the game at his own pace,” said Sloan. “It’s almost as if the entire floor is his. Jayson Tatum is my favorite player. I’ve been watching him since he was in high school. I like how he plays smooth and under control.”
Reflecting on his journey, Sloan cites advice from his brother, Cairon Idlebird, as a driving force behind his resiliency.
“No matter how many times you fall and hurt yourself, it’s how you’re going to bounce back,” said Idlebird.
As the Worthing Colts go deeper into their season, Sloan’s work ethic, leadership and drive ensure he’s not just chasing his dreams but inspiring others along the way. His next chapter promises to be as compelling as the one he’s writing at Worthing High School.
About Courtland Sloan:
Class: 2025
IG: @Thecourtland_sloan
Twitter: @Courtland_sloan
Position: Small forward
Height & weight: 6-feet-2, 205 pounds
Favorite artist: NoCap
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subject: English 4
Shout-outs: Mom, teammates, Coach Smith, Coach Towns, Coach Ellis and Coach Kurt
