Take a closer look at the special edition Zoom Kobe III from The Collection. Personalized for Rice High School.

Before the sold-out arenas, the highlight reels, the championship rings, there was the hard work.

The long practices and training Kobe put in during high school set the foundation for the basketball legend he has become today. Trudging to morning practices in 20 degree weather, running suicides, staying after practice to work on his shot. It all went into making him stronger – someone who would always play with strength. By Kobe’s senior year in high school, all the hard work was paying off and the nation was taking notice. And when it was all said and done, the state championship was his reward. The pros were tapping on his door and the desire to be the best ever was his legacy.

The Raiders of Rice High School in Manhattan, New York are continuing that legacy. A perennial national powerhouse, the Raiders have once again put all the pieces together this season. Through hard work and a tenacious style of play, they are 23-3 and ranked #6 nationally. They’ve already won the Archdiocese of New York AA title, and are looking to another title before the season ends.

To honor the hard work and the desire to be the best among high school players everywhere, Nike has created the Zoom Kobe III personalized in the green and gold colors of the Rice Raiders. The lightweight shoe has a carbon-fiber spring plate designed to keep the Raiders flying around the court, and its breathable mesh fabric with webbed design helps keep their feet cool. The Zoom Kobe III is the shoe for the player who wants to graduate from good to great.

Check back next Thursday for a new exclusive.