In the words of coach Darren Clark, “Basketball is a tough game, it’s a long process. If it was easy, everyone would play.” Whether it be during a 6 AM spring workout or after a loss to a division opponent, tough love speeches like these can be heard by Clark’s players at almost any time of the year. The long season, the tough practices and the need for constant improvement all beg the question: “Why play?”

    The eight basketball seniors, from both the boys and girls teams, all gave answers to why they have stuck with the sport.

Morgan Foster: “I really enjoy the competitiveness of the sport. Playing with several of my best friends is also a plus.”

Taylor Gaerke: “I love being with my friends every day at practice, and I love the competitive aspect of the sport.”

Alivia Milesky: “I enjoy the humor of the Bob Weiner everyday at practice. But most of all I love playing with my friends.”

Autumn Devine: “ I really like how everyone is basically family and are always there for each other. I love seeing and playing with them everyday.”

Brenna Holmberg: “I love how fast paced and competitive the sport is and how our team has fun while still taking it seriously. I love playing with my friends and seeing them everyday at practice.”

Tori Walker: “I love how aggressive the game is. I like my coaches and how they can be serious but also joke around with us. I also like how it’s an indoor sport so I’m never cold.”

Tanner Killian: “Basketball wasn’t always a sport that I was interested in, although I was decent at it. I was more into it for the social part of the game, like meeting new people my freshman year (my first year at Jonathan Alder). I have found lifelong teammates that I can count on in and out of the gym and memories that I will forever carry. The game has not only helped me grow as a basketball player, but also grow to become a more mature me.”

Jonathan Peters: “I’ve kept playing basketball because of the atmosphere and my teammates. Nothing beats playing in front of a large crowd, music playing during warmups, and all your friends and family watching you play. I’ve kept playing for seasons like we are having this year; it makes the last 3 years so worth it.”