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Basketball Coaches, Players Across East Bay Mourn Death Of Rising Star At Richmond High

RICHMOND (CBS SF) -- The death of a rising star basketball player in Richmond has coaches and players across the East Bay setting aside their rivalries.

Investigators say 16-year-old Rodney Frazier was in the wrong place at the wrong time when he was shot and killed, Friday.

For Coach Rob Collins, Rodney was his rising star player, not just another statistic.

"I won't be able to call my point guard over and say, 'take it, handle it, take it to them," said Collins.

Rodney's team was at practice Tuesday, but they are heartbroken. Their favorite point guard is not here, but not forgotten.

"Never gave up," said teammate Jesus Padilla. "He was going to give you everything he had on him."

"This is going to make us play harder in the season..support our friend...even if we're down," said Chevaun Daley.

The team said Rodney was on the straight and narrow, focused on basketball and planned to be a mechanic.

When he was shot, Friday, he was outside fixing a bike. Police believe it was a case of mistaken identity.

"This one here is extra special because this is a kid that was doing good," said Coach Collins.

Rodney's reputation of goodness has spread. From Berkeley to El Sobrante, basketball players and coaches are grieving alongside Richmond High.

Stopping violent crime is a top priority for everyone.

"We have to stop the random killings. it's just not right," said teammate Master Jay Fields.

But Coach Collins knows his ability to stop the violence is limited. No one thought they would lose Rodney at 16-years-old.

"I'm not counting on anybody to fix anything," said Coach Collins, "But I just want people to know what we are up against."

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