Basketball, in itself, is heavily a teamwork sport. Shooting some hoops is the starting base, but strategically scoring is another complexity that can be overcome only through sheer effort and devotion.

Just like any other sport, players work hard to strive to be the very best. The amount of effort needed to achieve success is outright enormous. Players are mentally challenged on a daily basis to analyze their flaws and improve their gameplay as a team. Then, there is the physical aspect of the game. Players must be physically capable of delivering their top performances in games to execute team tactics.

That is not to say it is the only stress these young athletes face. As a student-athlete for just about any sport, there is an added stress factor with school. Student-athletes have to combat the stress that school brings whilst not letting the team down. Our school’s boys’ basketball team serves no exception.

So, how does it feel to be a player in the boys’ basketball team? According to Vincent Rodriguez, “It can be extremely stressful, but being part of the team really improves you as a person, and you develop communication skills. The most difficult part [of the stress] is being able to balance school grades while committing to the sport and team.”

It is evident that being a part of the team requires plenty of student communication and commitment, but they are not the only ones under the heat. Coaches, alike, work to push their athletes to the next level and encourage their overall success.

That, in sum, is what a sports environment should give off. In sports, such as boys’ basketball, it is not all about the capability of an individual; it is all about what each individual can contribute to the team and as a team member.

– Fernando Soto