Huntington High's Dejneka Shines on Hardwood

Junior guard's Brazilian heritage helps him stand out on the basketball court

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Pierson Dejneka, a 6-foot-3, 180-pound junior guard for Huntington High School's basketball team, has been making waves with his impressive skills on the court. Born in Huntington, West Virginia, Dejneka speaks fluent Portuguese and can often be heard conversing with his father, Pedro, a native of Brazil, in both English and Portuguese during games.

Why it matters

Dejneka's unique background and language abilities give him an edge on the court, allowing him to communicate with his father and potentially confuse opposing players and coaches. His success also highlights the growing diversity in high school sports and the opportunities it can provide for student-athletes with diverse cultural experiences.

The details

During a team trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in December, Dejneka ordered carne grelhada, or grilled steak, at a Brazilian steakhouse, surprising his teammates who weren't sure if he was requesting tofu or turkey. Dejneka's ability to speak fluent Portuguese has been an asset, as his father, Pedro, can be heard conversing with him in the language during games.

  • Dejneka's team took a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in December.

The players

Pierson Dejneka

A 6-foot-3, 180-pound junior guard for the Huntington High School basketball team, born in Huntington, West Virginia, and fluent in Portuguese.

Pedro Dejneka

Pierson Dejneka's father, a native of Brazil, who can be heard conversing with his son in Portuguese during games.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Dejneka's unique background and language abilities have given him an advantage on the basketball court, allowing him to communicate with his father and potentially confuse opposing players and coaches. His success highlights the growing diversity in high school sports and the opportunities it can provide for student-athletes with diverse cultural experiences.