McClintock PG Malique Washington wants to tell his grandfather's message in a children's book

Tempe McClintock senior point guard Malique Washington's life took a turn two days after Christmas, when his grandfather, his greatest mentor, died.

James Kelson, a former principal at John R. Davis Elementary School in south Phoenix, had dreams of writing a children's book with Malique.

"Since he passed, I'm going to write one for him in honor of him," Washington said.

Washington and his grandfather will be central characters in the middle of a classroom, which is where Kelson shaped his grandson into being an honors student.

He started his first book, also influenced by his grandfather, a year ago.

"It's about character, wisdom," he said. "He treated people with respect. He touched many lives. I am going to make sure that his name will go on forever. This book I’m writing I will make it as good as possible. I’m going to sell it, make it inspiring."

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Washington said writing a book and having his grandfather see him get a big college basketball scholarship offer were his biggest goals.

Now, he'll have to do it with his grandfather's spirit as a guiding light.

He is on his way.

One four-year college has recently shown interest.

Washington is part of dynamic backcourt with Amiri Chukwuemeka (22.2 points a game). Washington is averaging 17.1 points and 4.8 assists on a 12-6 Division II team.

Kelson, who played linebacker at Northern Colorado in the late 1960s and was named to the NCAA Division II school's 86-member Dream Football Team in the early 2000s, inspired Washington both on and off the court.

Kelson was 68.

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His death came during the McClintock Holiday Shootout. Washington scored 21 points in a win against Chandler and 24 in a victory over Phoenix Brophy Prep in games following his grandfather's death.

His funeral was last week, on the same day when McClintock played its biggest rival, Tempe.

"In all honesty, I wanted him to watch me get a big offer (to play college basketball)," Washington said. "Now, I am just focused on making him proud. I'm going to make my dreams come true."

Washington said he doesn't have a title yet for his children's book but he said, "It will be me in it, me talking to a class with students and a teacher telling the story about my grandpa, his message."

Reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-460-1710. Follow him at twitter.com/azc_obert.