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Michael Hwang becomes the first freshman to play on Jefferson’s varsity boys basketball team in 20 years.
Baller’s By Rose Du and Sarah Wang
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eart pounding, palms sweating, surrounded by upperclassmen. Weighed down by intense pressure. A spot on the roster is at stake. No freshman has made the men’s varsity basketball team in the past 20 years. But that’s just what Michael Hwang did. Making the Team Hwang started playing basketball in first grade, and has worked to improve his technique since. Despite having several years of experience playing competitively, the news of his placement on the varsity team came to Hwang as a surprise and an honor. “When I was told I made the team, I was a little shocked,” Hwang said. “Coach [Mark GrayMendes] started talking about how it was really special for me to make the team.” Varsity basketball coach Mark Gray-Mendes saw great potential in Hwang’s skill with the ball, and believed that his experience would allow for a smooth transition into a team
