Ahead of the Game

Varsity basketball players Damion White and Kendra Fisher work hard, showing their leadership on the court

by jackie allen <reporter>

Damnon White

For most high school students, first grade may not seem to have been very important. However, for junior Damion White, first grade was the beginning of his basketball career.

Starting basketball at such an early age helped White obtain a full time position on SM North Varsity Basketball.

“I feel pretty good,” White said. “I think it’s a great opportunity to play at SM North.”

Making the Varsity team this year shows that White’s hard work during off-season paid off. He kept himself in shape by playing basketball over the summer and participating in fall weight training.

Varsity basketball coach Pat Cormack said he believes that White will be able to contribute a great deal to the team this year.

“I hope he becomes our best defensive player,” Cormack said, “that would be where he could help us most.”

White agrees with Cormack that defense is one of his better qualities in basketball.

“I give 110 percent on defense,” White said. “If you play good defense it wins games and I’m all about winning games.”

Along with the tough defense required for Varsity, White said that hard work is a must.

“You have to work hard, play hard, start hard and finish hard,” White said.

Cormack also expects for the players to get better every day. However, for his team it doesn’t just apply for basketball. He expects them to continue to excel in their classrooms as well.

For White, maintaining his schoolwork is not a problem. Even with the devoted time needed to be on Varsity, he is able to complete his homework, spend time with his family and maintain a job on the weekends.     

As for White’s future in basketball, he said he is hopefully planning to pursue it as a career and Cormack has no reason to disagree.

“I think he could (play professionally),” Cormack said, “the potential is there. If he wants to do it, I have no reason to think he couldn’t.”

White, on the other hand, isn’t making any major decisions yet.

“I’m concentrating on the season right now,” White said. “We need to set a higher standard than last year and go out there and get our game on.”

Kendra Fisher

Being hard-working, dedicated and one of two seniors on a young team has allowed Kendra Fisher to step up and become one of the leaders on the Girl’s Varsity Basketball team according to head coach Jim Baker.           

“All leaders play hard and work hard," Jim Baker said. “In my opinion a leader is someone who contributes and is committed to doing what they do. I’d say Kendra is one of our leaders.”

Fisher is a four-year Varsity player, making her very experienced and someone the other athletes can look up to. 

Being a part of the team for so long has allowed her to understand the dedication that comes with it.

“You have to have a lot (of dedication),” Fisher said. “You have to stay determined and work hard throughout practices and games.”

Baker said that he admires her for being so committed to the team.

“She’s always there,” Baker said. “She loves her team and her teammates.” 

Being able to work only once a week is a sacrifice she has made in order to be completely devoted to the team. She also said that it sometimes gets hard when trying to keep up with schoolwork. However, in her eyes, it’s worth it.

“I love playing (basketball),” Fisher said. “It’s so much fun.”

Fisher’s winter schedule is not the only one that seems to be full. Besides having basketball to keep her busy, Fisher plays volleyball in the fall, participates in track in the spring and even lifts weights during the summer.

“She’s a contributor at every sport,” Baker said. “That’s really unique.”

Participating in three sports has kept Fisher in great shape and continues to increase her athleticism. Baker said she’s extremely quick on her feet, which is one of the reasons she is a guard on the team and a two-year starter. 

“She never takes a day off,” Baker said. “Coaches like those kinds of athletes.”