Ben Ashworth, a senior at TK Gormon, signs with Centenary College to play basketball. Photo By Shannon Wilson

It started out as a joke with a teammate. It turned into an iconic fashion decision.

Ben Ashworth, known by opposing teams across East Texas as “the headband,” was a scoring sensation for Bishop Gorman, routinely scoring 30 or more points his senior season.

His talents, which also included leading the team in assists and steals, caught the eyes of college coaches across the region. On Monday, Ashworth made his choice, signing with Centenary College at a ceremony in the school cafeteria before family, friends and classmates.

“It feels great,” Ashworth said. “I put it off for a while and it’s great, it’s great to finally have it off my chest. I’m excited about where I’m going.”

Ashworth chose the NCAA Division III Gents over other schools that offered scholarships, including McPherson College, Central Methodist University, Dallas Baptist, St. Edward’s and Ouachita Baptist.

Ashworth averaged 20 points per game this past season despite being the focal point of most every defense the Crusaders faced, his trademark white headband keeping his long hair in place better than most defenders could contain the point guard.

Fans quickly picked up on the headband, which only served to fuel Ashworth, who said the worst he heard was from rival Grace Community his junior year.

“The entire fan section all wore headbands and they would always chant ‘headband’ during the game,” he recalled. “That game I came out and had I think 26 points; I kind of used it to fuel me and motivate me to play well that game.

“I found if I use all the mocking from the headband to play better, that’ll usually kind of shut them up and they wouldn’t continue to do it because they know it’ll make me play better.”

That he wears the headband came down to a summer league game where he and teammate Nick Meads (Gorman class of 2012) were supposed to both wear the bands over their long hair, as a joke.

“(Meads) brought it and then he just threw it on the sideline about a quarter in,” Ashworth said. “I kept it in my hair; I thought it felt comfortable. I stuck with it in the summer. When I got to the (high school) season I figured there’s no reason to ditch it. … It was comfortable in my hair, kept the hair out of my face.

“It was just a matter of comfortability. I liked it and I stuck with it.”

Paul Drake, Gorman’s first-year head coach, usually doesn’t let his players wear headbands, but made an exception for Ashworth because he said it fit the senior leader’s personality.

“From outside looking in some people don’t know what to think about Ben,” Drake said.

“But when you get to know Ben, he’s a great kid of character, he works hard, he has a great sense of humor. I’m very excited for Ben.”

Added Ashworth: “I hate that I have to leave this Gorman family, but I’m looking forward to see what Centenary has for me.”