Influencing the Future Generation by Macie Brown There are many different people in our life who we look up to and who influence us. Coaches, teammates, friends, peers, teachers, parents and so much more. These people shape the person we are and the person we grow up to be.
commented. Wilson said that Couch has had a huge impact on the court and in the classroom and he pushes students to do the best they can in all areas. Wilson also said the trip to state brought not only the players closer to each other, but also to the coaches closer to the players. “The experience was unexplainable. It is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am blessed we got there,” Wilson explained. Wilson said that practicing at Eastern Kentucky University’s faculty and warming up on Rupp Arena’s floor was the best part because the players were able to get an experience that is so close to what it would be like for them in college.
Sam Wilson, a freshman, plays varsity on the basketball team. He not only looks up to his coaches as leaders, but also to his older teammates. “I look up to the guys on the team because they have been doing this for such a long time, it’s really amazing to share this experience with them and grow to learn more about Bullitt East culture,” Wilson explained. Wilson said the fact that his older teammates welcomed him with open arms and had such a passion for the game really made him have a deep respect for them and look up to them.
Lilly Reid, a sophomore, also plays basketball. The team and coaches have been a huge part in her highschool experience and influenced her life in major ways.
Someone that Wilson has become really close with on the team is Camron Brogan. “Since me and him run the point guard position together, we became very close and he has been my mentor throughout the season teaching me what to do,” Wilson said. Another person Wilson said specifically makes a positive influence on him is Caydan Snyder. “Someone who always pushes the team and is always positive is Cayden Snyder. No matter what, win or lose, he is always energetic and has such a positive spirit,” Wilson said. Wilson explained that Snyder’s positive outlook often helps them win games or keep going after not performing the way they think they should.
The girls on the basketball team have played with one another for so long and that has allowed them to get really close with each other. Reid has been playing with a lot of the same girls since she joined the team in eighth grade.“I don’t really look up to the girls on the team because we are all equals,” Reid commented. The girls on the basketball team view each other as a family. Reid said that the players all push each other to get out of their comfort zones and help each other learn what they need to do to be successful both as individuals and as a team. Reid also said that playing basketball has strengthened and created so many of her relationships with people. “I have gotten closer with my sister, Emma Egan, and Selena Grenado,” Reid said. Reid said her favorite thing about the season was that she
Both the head coach and assistant play a big role in preparing the players and organizing the team. “Coach Couch is an amazing guy who cares deeply for all of his players,” Wilson
Sam Wilson passes the ball to his teammate while playing a season game at Desales. He was the only freshman who spent time playing for the Varsity team. “It is really amazing to share this experience with the older guys on the team and I look up to them a lot,” Wilson said. Photo: Mia Maguire
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