Farmer Used to Big Moments on the Court and the Course . By : Brad Davis
The spotlight and pressure situations are nothing new to Manila Lion senior Rex Farmer . He has played up at a high level on the varsity basketball team since his freshman year , and also competed at the state ’ s highest level in golf . His accolades on the course and on the court speak for themselves , but it is his performances in big situations that will leave his mark in Manila .
As a freshman , Farmer moved up and helped the Lions to 3A-3 Runner-up finishes in golf and basketball . On the court he averaged 7.4 points and 4.2 rebounds in a tough league , but it was on the links where he earned Allconference and All-State as a golfer , finishing third in the 3A State Tournament and qualifying for the State Overall Tournament . That seemed to boost his confidence , as he finished second in the state as a sophomore golfer earning All-Conference and All-State and returning to the Overall in Little Rock . From there he would enjoy a magical ride to the 3A State Championship with his fellow Lions , as the team claimed the school ’ s first title since 1961 . In that run , Farmer earned All-Conference and came up big in the semifinals against Dumas by shooting 100 % from the floor , including 4 / 4 from behind the arc scoring 14 points .
Last year Farmer would use that to help gain more confidence with another All-Conference and All- State golf season , and his second All-Conference basketball performance . Averaging 18 points and eight rebounds , he surpassed the 1,000 point mark and became one of the go to players for Manila . Now , as a senior , Farmer has already completed his fourth All-State golf season by finishing fourth at the 3A State Tournament and hopes to continue his rise on the court to lead the Lions back to the State Tournament .
Farmer feels that playing more than one sport helps him at times . “ Playing multiple sports helps keep my mind fresh ,” he said . “ I also feel playing multiple sports helps me with time management by keeping me busy . I enjoy all the sports I play and the change of the different seasons . I find myself more excited for each sport I play during their particular season . I don ' t have a favorite sport , I enjoy whatever sport is in season the most . I always strive to give each sport 100 percent . Balancing practices has never been a problem for me . I lift year around to help get stronger and stay in shape . I try my best to maintain equal practice times for each sport .”
For basketball coach Heath Matheny , it is comforting knowing Rex Farmer is on his side . “ Rex has a great work ethic ,” Coach Matheny said . “ He works extremely hard in the weight room , he has continually improved his skills on the floor and his leadership skills . He is a dual threat option that can score from inside or outside . He is also a problem on the boards . It ’ s always a good feeling prepping for a game and him being on your roster .”