Rashard Cabane has excelled at every level of Newton High basketball, and will look to do the same as he attends Middle Georgia State College next year.

The Region 2-AAAAAA Player of the Year signed a letter of intent with the soon-to-be four-year NAIA basketball program at Newton High Wednesday.

Cabane started for the Rams’ freshman team, being honored as its MVP, before being named junior varsity MVP in 2010-11, starting for the varsity team in his junior and senior seasons and being named the varsity team’s MVP in 2012-13.

Playing small forward, forward and center, Cabane scored 12 points, grabbed seven rebounds and had around 2 ½ charges per game in his senior season. While his scoring and rebounding were big assets for the Rams in 2012-13, it was his ability to stand tall on defense which stands out the most.

Cabane set a Newton record with 67 charges on the year, something he recognized could help his team more than his scoring, ball handling or passing prowess.

“I noticed how some players can shoot the ball very well, and I just had to think of something I could contribute to the team as well,” Cabane said. Defense is a great way to contribute.

“In a way blocking, it’s easier for (the referees) to call a foul. Players just want to go attack the basket so quick, and I would read their body stance, which way they were going, and I would take the charge.”

Cabane’s ability to take the charge would shift momentum to the Rams a lot throughout the season, and helped lead to several wins during his four-year career.

In a victory at Lovejoy this past season, Cabane took a charge late in overtime, giving Newton the ball, allowing the Rams to hit their free throws and take the win.

“Not every player is willing to take the charge and sacrifice his body for the team,” Newton coach Rick Rasmussen said. “We’re going to really miss that.”

Rasmussen welcomed Cabane’s ability to take charges, after Shane Henry took his two blocks a game to Georgia Perimeter College after the 2011-12 season. Cabane’s ability to take charges supplemented Henry’s blocking skills and kept Newton’s defense stout near the basket.

Cabane will now play against Henry in college, as Middle Georgia College is in the same league as GPC. Before signing with the Warriors, Cabane called Henry to get inside information on college basketball.

“He gave me a lot of tips,” Cabane said. “He said to stay in the books and that it’s a big step up basketball-wise.”
Cabane will study biology at Middle Georgia State College, following his interest in environmental science.

“He’s been a great part of our program for the last four years,” Rasmussen said. “We’re really proud of the way he has developed. He’s a great example of what happens if you have a great attitude and you work your tail off. He’s taken everything to heart and has been extremely coachable.

“It’s been fun and a pleasure to watch him develop.”