For Eustis High School senior Eric Glover, basketball has always been more than a sport. It’s a bond built with family, a path to confidence, and now a platform for leadership as he enters his final season with the Panthers.

Eric first picked up a basketball at age 5, inspired by his father, Eric Glover, who introduced him to the game. Twelve years later, the senior has grown into one of our areas most dependable players, something he traces back to the people closest to him.

“My dad is definitely my biggest role model,” Eric says. “He got me into basketball and he does so much for me and my family.”

While many athletes point to buzzer-beaters or packed gyms as their favorite high school memories, Eric’s answer reveals the team-first mentality that has defined his career.

“Honestly, just eating team meals with my teammates and bonding,” he says. “Those moments really stick with me.”

Eric says basketball has taught him patience, and trust. Those lessons were crucial as he worked to overcome what he considers his biggest challenge, his own confidence.

“Growing up I lacked a lot of confidence in my game,” he says. “These past few months at Eustis High, I feel like I’ve grown a lot.”

And grown he has, in his first three games this season, Eric is averaging a team leading 17 points per game. He’s also a great defensive player and is a team leader in steals with 8 so far. Eustis is off to a 4-1 start. 

Eustis head coach Wesley Green has played a key role in Eric’s progress, helping the young player evolve into a steady, vocal presence for a team hoping to make another deep playoff run after last season’s trip to the State Final Four.

“Coach Green has taught me to play off two feet and to become more of a leader,” Eric says. “I’m trying to hold my teammates accountable.”

Coach Green says Eric has embraced that responsibility.

“Eric has been a great kid since he enrolled at Eustis,” Coach Green says. “High-character kid, great teammate. Eric has been steady for us all year. He will be a great addition to any school he goes to next year.”

Off the court, Eric maintains a 4.5-GPA. He’s very devoted to his school work. He also enjoys cooking and recently picked up the sport of fishing. After high school, Eric hopes to attend college to study either engineering or culinary arts.

For the young athletes who look up to him, Eric offers simple but meaningful advice.

“Be patient and don’t compare yourself to the other kids in your class,” he says. 

What he loves most about playing for Eustis is the culture, a disciplined but fun atmosphere he says brings out the best in him and his teammates.

As his senior season unfolds, Eric is locked in on one goal: helping the Panthers return to the postseason spotlight.

“I’m looking forward to making a deep run in the playoffs,” he says. Eric hopes that this is his best season yet and he’s already off to a strong start as one of Lake County’s top offensive threats. Keep an eye on this young man as the season progresses.

Photos provided by Brandon Evans