Mar 12, 2015

To hear him tell it, Essien Ture loves basketball more than most things. That’s why it was devastating when the Hammond High School junior found out last spring that he would have to have part of his right leg amputated due to blood clots.

But his love for the game led him forward, and despite needing a prosthetic, he still made Hammond’s varsity team in the fall. Ture’s perseverance has led him to be honored at the Ed Block Courage Awards on Monday, March 16.

: Hammond High School junior basketball player Essien Ture, 16, poses for a photo in the gym at Hammond High School in Columbia on Monday, March 9, 2015. After enduring agonizing foot pain, a grueling series of tests and surgeries that culminated with his right leg being amputated below the knee, he made a remarkable return to Hammond’s basketball team. He is being recognized as part of the NFL’s Block Courage Awards. (Jen Rynda/BSMG)

: Essien Ture rests his leg while playing a video game. (Jen Rynda/BSMG)

: Essien Ture poses for a photo circa 2009. Photo Provided.

: Hammond High School junior basketball player Essien Ture’s, 16, prosthetic leg rests in his room at his families home in Columbia. (Jen Rynda/BSMG)

: Hammond High School junior basketball player Essien Ture, 16, is reflected in a mirror resting his leg and playing a video game (NBA 2K15) in his room. (Jen Rynda/BSMG)

: Hammond High School junior basketball player Essien Ture, 16, puts on his prosthetic leg. (Jen Rynda/BSMG)

: Ture puts on his prosthetic leg. (Jen Rynda/BSMG)

: Essien Ture, second row far right, poses for a photo circa 2009 with his TRCC (Tucker Road Community Center) basketball team. Photo Provided.

: Hammond High School junior basketball player Essien Ture, 16, looks in the refrigerator for a snack while his mother Jewel Taylor searches for photo on her computer. (Jen Rynda/BSMG)

: Essien Ture takes a shot in a game this past basketball season. Photo Provided.

: Hammond High School junior basketball player Essien Ture, 16, poses for a photo in the gym at Hammond High School in Columbia on Monday, March 9, 2015. After enduring agonizing foot pain, a grueling series of tests and surgeries that culminated with his right leg being amputated below the knee, he made a remarkable return to Hammond’s basketball team. He is being recognized as part of the NFL’s Block Courage Awards. (Jen Rynda/BSMG)

Video below:

Hammond basketball player to be honored at Ed Block Courage Awards

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