In 2005, a spry young man walked into our gym eager to become more involved in Journeymam Basketball. He had watched his older brother Josh and his cousins Henry and Matthew play, and his uncle Mike coach. Nobody knew it at the time, but these experiences served as the historical beginning to what became an unmatchable career in our program.

That young man was Alex Price.

Nobody involved with the program could have known the value, integrity, passion and friendship his presence would ultimately provide to so many. Although his playing career can be easily described as “legendary,” Alex’s greatest achievement was the impact he had on literally hundreds of young players. Generations of players looked up to him, and their parents and guardians had the utmost faith in his ability to connect with them, teach them, and motivate them.

Alex’s love for basketball was exceeded only by his desire to see every player he crossed paths with succeed. That success wasn’t just about basketball, though. Alex wasn’t concerned about their basketball prowess; he wanted them to give maximum effort and be good teammates. He wanted them to be good people. Every aspiring athlete that entered the gym had his respect and attention.

The fact that Alex started coaching at such a young age was admirable, not to mention rare. Despite being just 13 when he began leading teams, parents associated with the program quickly started requesting him as a coach.

The positive impact Alex had extended across many programs and venues. He coached boys and girls of all ages and grades. There was nothing he didn’t do for the Journeyman program. Alex officiated, worked the clock, kept the stat book, researched statistical history, prepared award and hall of fame speeches, counted votes and set up for events. Alex also served as the president of the JPA, leading our athletes in community service projects and assisting many with financial assistance needs.

Although Alex was everything to the program, his love for basketball went far beyond the walls of Journeyman. Alex served as an assistant coach at St Thomas Aquinas, head coach at Sacred Heart School in Hampton and as a coach for the Cooperative Middle School in Stratham.

His character was consistent no matter where he coached. Alex was always ready to accept responsibility for a loss in a close game. He put a lot of pre-practice time in, because he understood that is where a coach is at his best.

While players were on the court, they knew they had his full support. He never micro-managed, but he pushed them to step out of their comfort zones. Alex loved what he did, and that passion was evident every time he officiated, coached, practiced and played. He did it all with integrity, maximum effort and an absolute love of his teammates and players.

In Alex’s final sessions as a Journeyman he wore #24 because he was a longtime admirer of Kobe Bryant’s. He shared quotes, watched highlights and marveled Kobe’s work ethic. So it seems only fitting that Journeyman Basketball will retire #24 in Alex’s honor.

The AP24 era officially begins today.

Alex’s contributions, who he was as a person, and everything he stood for, will inspire and guide our program moving forward. In many ways, they always have, beginning on that day in 2005.

You will never be forgotten, Alex.