2018 Lehigh G Bershard Edwards talks state semifinal appearance, current senior season and more
2018 Lehigh guard Bershard Edwards has been a gigantic part of the success that Lehigh has achieved these past few seasons.
The 6’1″, 180-pounder averaged 9.8 PPG and 4.9 APG as he topped the 10-point mark 18 different times as a junior guiding the Lightning to the Class 7A state semifinals. Lehigh finished 21-10 losing to state runner-up Edgewater, who featured current IMG post grad star Anfernee Simons.
“This past season went very well. Wost a big key to our team and everyone (outside of the team) lost faith in us. As a whole, I feel we brought it together to go the farthest Lehigh has ever gone,” Edwards told Prep Hoops Florida. “One thing I learned was how much being vocal means as being a leader. Teams huddles during free throws and dead balls to keep all the teammates on the same page during the game are something I feel really made a difference.”
Lehigh has started this new season 5-0 and it looks like the Lightning are back to contend.
“For this season we have big plans,” Edwards said. “Coach Coleman has put us in a great position by putting us against some of the best competition in the state in the regular season to be ready for what’s to come in our potential playoff run.”
This summer Edwards played for Florida Elite. He said he couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
“Conrad Foss and Blake Golden did a great job in putting the group of guys in front of as many coaches as possible,” he said. “Being on a team with the amount of unselfishness we had made meeting and playing with new people a great time.”
Nothing is set in stone for his college plans Edwards says, but Sage, Clayton State and Piedmont are a few programs coming after his services.
In terms of his game, Edwards says his pull-up jumper is something that developed a lot last season.
“Creating space off the dribble and coming hard off screens to get to the mid-range area to pull up is something I’ve worked on and have started to hit with consistency,” he said.
He says a point of emphasis this season and beyond is to not settle for the jumper at all times and balance his pull-up and ability to get to the rack.
Edwards is a pass-first point guard, but he’s able to make a lot happen with his offensive skills. He’s quick-footed and smooth to get inside consistently. Whoever lands Edwards is going to be happy with him on and off the court. He’s a good kid who works hard at his craft and in the classroom.