Featured Athlete: Derek Wicker

The boys’ basketball team is led by team captain Derek Wicker. Wicker, a senior, currently leads the team with 54 2-point shots and 10 3-point shots. He is ranked 19 for most points made overall in the league. The team’s head coach, Ms. Kelly Sabbagh, describes Wicker as a “powerhouse” for the team and someone who keeps the team’s morale up. 

Q: When did you start playing basketball?

A: I started playing basketball in the 3rd grade

Q: How do you stay in shape in the off-season?

A: I work out by myself or with friends or I go to the park and play basketball

Q: What position do you play?

A: I’m a forward, or like a center

Q: How do you mentally prepare for a game?

A: I like to listen to rap and hip-hop music

Q: If you’re feeling bad about a game, how do you get over it?

A: I just think about how we still have more games in the season, in the next one I’ll do better or I think about the times I did do good and I look forward to the next game

Q: Do you have any recommendations for anyone who wants to start playing basketball?

A: I would say don’t get discouraged at first cause there’s going to be a lot of stuff that you’re not going to know how to do or stuff you’re not going to be able to do that you’ll see others do, so don’t get discouraged and just work at your own pace

Q: What are the team dynamics like?

A: Well my teammates are my friends so usually after every game we got out and even before a game, we would all get there together. It makes us more together.  

Q: Anything else you want to say?

A: Basketball is definitely a fun sport and if you’re looking for a sport to play, it’s fun to get into. Even if you don’t want to take it seriously, like on a college level, it’s still a fun thing to do.  You can make it enjoyable with your friends or teammates.