A former central Ohio basketball player was killed in a single-car crash on Wednesday.
Javonte Clanton plays basketball at the University of South Carolina at Aiken and had just finished his final game of the season when he began making the 600-mile trip home to Reynoldsburg.
Deputies said Clanton fell asleep at the wheel at about 8:55 a.m. while driving on Interstate 77. His car went off the road and overturned.
Clanton was pronounced dead at the scene.
USC basketball Coach Vince Alexander said the school was "still in a state of disbelief over this incredible loss."
"Javonte was a very talented basketball player and he was beloved by all his teammates," Alexander said. "Most importantly, Javonte was an outstanding individual and student."
Clanton was a standout player at Reynoldsburg High School, where he averaged 23 points per game.
Clanton's grandmother, Brenda Clanton, told 10TV News that her grandson called her Wednesday night to tell her that he was close to arriving home.
"God took him," Brenda Clanton said. "He said, 'I am ready for you to come home.' He didn't feel any pain, no nothing."
Reynoldsburg High School basketball coach Chris Rider said Javonte Clanton refused to lose on the court.
"A kid that maybe wasn't the biggest or strongest or fastest, but somebody who worked at their game and became the best they could be," Rider said.
Stay with 10TV News and 10TV.com for more information.
