- 2023 Spotlight #2
Personal Statement
My first goal is focused on my high school team and our success. Over the next 3 years we need to win multiple WPIAL titles, and make it to the state playoffs. I have great pride in our school and the relationships we have with each other, our coaches, and our peers, makes winning and leaving behind a culture and tradition very important to me. While it's not about me, I am a huge factor in our success or failure. I want to be the first 1,000 plus point scorer at North Allegheny in a long time.
So my second goal is to be the Best "True" Point Guard in Western PA over the next 3 years. I define "True" as follows; 1. Make those around me better - Lead the WPIAL in assists 2. Take care of the ball (defined as 2 or less turnovers per game regardless who we play 3. Knock down open shots at a high rate (I take pride in being able to score at all three levels) - I will average 16 points or more per game as a sophomore/ 20 or more as a junior/22 or more as a senior - I will have a field goal % of 50% or greater throughout my high school career to include 3 point shooting. 4. I will be the teams leader off and on the court. I will lead vocally, and through my work ethic which no one will match...I will be the example of what we can become.
My third goal is to continue playing in college. When I say play, I mean PLAY. Simply being a part of a team is not my focus. In all things I do I will be a major factor or contributor to our successful outcomes. For it me it is important to find the correct fit academically, socially, and athletically. I am a relationally driven person and can adapt quickly to all types or styles of coaching, but the relationship I have with my coaches is very important to me.
What sets me apart and makes me a great candidate is that I realize that my journey is unique to me alone. I do not compare myself with anyone but me. I focus on being the best version of myself possible. I am 15 years old and a 6'1 point guard who has great aspirations. While statistically my size does not jump off the charts, my daily focus is to control all the things within my power to control, which minimizes variables. By doing this I maximize my confidence, my compete level, and ensure outcomes become very predictable for me and my team regardless of the situation we are facing...I bet on me because of my commitment to preparation. The things I focus on daily are as follows: I have a daily shooting routine and complete a minimum 250 makes each day even on game day or practice days; I work with multiple trainers who I trust and each brings new tools to my Point Guard toolbelt, I do this after or before practice. This helps me to be able to create opportunities for my teammates and myself in all situations; I work on my physical development daily; I control my focus on academics as this remains job one and will be my priority throughout my college career; I control how I interact with others and the respect I show for those around me by being the person I truly wish to be; I control how I view myself and never allow my strong confidence to turn into self-centered ego; I have trained myself through situational opportunities that I am the guy who will take that last shot...I am the guy who will make that last shot, I never think my shot is not going in...
By understanding that my journey is unique and outcomes and benefits may not always be immediate, I have a plan, I maximize my plan, I do not deviate from the plan. I am a rare person in that I am truly passionate about the sport of basketball and about being the best version of myself possible. To that end I enjoy the grind because I understand in my journey, the grind pays off for me and is an important part of my process.
I never see challenges as obstacles but opportunities. When I began with my current AAU team (Adidas Circuit Wildcat Select 3SSB) I was placed on our second tier team as I missed the try out but knew a few players and coaches within the organization that verified me (Silver Circuit). I set a plan and a goal to rise to the 3SSB circuit team within the first few tournaments. I averaged 22 points a game on Silver and played as a true point guard, and in the last tournament I played for Silver I hit 14 three point shots in one game and scored 49 points. After that game I was moved to 3SSB and never looked back. I knew I belonged there, I just had to show why! 3SSB in Birmingham and Omaha, built my confidence even more. I know today I can compete with anyone, anywhere, and be one of the best on that court. Planning works.
To close I see myself as a "difference maker" on and off the court. Being the best version of me is very important. I am kind, confident, and truly a caring individual. I value being a part of something bigger than myself, and respect tradition, and the efforts of others that came before I did. I value relationship, family (very important to me), and friendships, but when it's time to compete, I will always find a way to win no matter the circumstances. I will always bet on me because that's part of my plan.
