By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Former St. Charles Catholic basketball standout DeMarcus Bernard thought he might be done with the game he loved. As it turns out, it wasn’t quite done with him.

Bernard recently signed with Cazenovia College in New York where he will continue his education and on-court career.

Bernard, who graduated from St. Charles in 2009, has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

“It happened out of the blue,” said Bernard. “I’m humbled by it. I set goals for myself coming out of high school to play college basketball … I just feel so blessed and humbled right now.”

Bernard accepted a scholarship based on both athletics and academics.

Bernard was an All-District and All-Parish performer as a senior with St. Charles. He overcame a mid-season ankle injury to averaged 12 points and four assists in district play and helped lead the Comets to a pair of upset victories over a ranked Port Allen team.

He attended Baton Rouge Community College after graduating from St. Charles.

But Bernard admitted that his focus was not where it needed to be at the time.

“I wasn’t focused on basketball at the time. It was obvious. The coach saw it. I saw it,” said Bernard.

“I ended up off of the team. After that, I started reaching out to other coaches.”

But when nothing substantial materialized, Bernard thought about leaving the basketball chapter of his life behind.  

“I thought, ‘Maybe I’m just done with it,’” said Bernard. “But out of nowhere, Cazenovia called.

“I thought it was a good fit. It’s a great academic school and the program is under great leadership.”

Bernard said that he very much looks forward to getting on the court, and he credited his parents, family and friends for their support.

He also said he feels more prepared for the opportunity ahead of him.

“I’m not the same guy as that 18, 19-year-old kid that thought he knew everything back then,” said Bernard.

And with that newfound maturity, he has a second chance to make the most out of the goals that teenager set for himself once upon a time.

“If anyone else can take anything from this, it’s to not give up on your dreams and the goals you set for yourself, even if tough times arise. They’re attainable,” he said.