Post 6: Ball is Life

Post 6:

Basketball is not just a sport, not just a hobby, but it is truly a way of life. Growing up my goals and aspirations were mostly inspired by basketball, and looking back it was one of the biggest mistakes of my life.

From a young age I was that kid who was just one step ahead of everyone else, because I put in the time to perfect my craft. I had that on everyone else my age, and that was a never ending work ethic. Hours and hours at a time I spent in the gym playing basketball, alone or with friends. It was something I could completely dedicate myself to and I could see results which built my confidence. As my confidence continually grew, I started really becoming a good basketball player.

When I got into middle school my ultimate goal was to make the 7^th/8^th grade basketball team as a 6^th grader, which was pretty unheard of. I tried out and I didn't make it. It was such a good learning experience for me and it humbled me greatly. I continued my work and my abilities grew, and I think I saw the most improvement in my game that year then I saw in all 5 years previous. Overall not making that team that year was a blessing and I think losses are always more helpful than the wins.

I soared through middle school basketball scoring an average of 15 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1.5 blocks (which honestly was my most prideful stat). This was all on top of playing as a starter on two clubs teams and asking both coaches to not take me out for a 45 minute games. This behavior of nonstop playing started to really wear on my ankles/knees without me really even knowing. I was too wrapped up in my confidence and drive to realize the damage I was doing to myself.

8^th grade summer I tried out for the high school summer basketball team and they assessed were you would be based on your performance. I made the JV team, but my coach asked me to play for the varsity team as well. I was through the roof, and with all this free time I realized why not play a fun city-league with my friends. With all of my club teams being out of season and not being in school freed up a lot of time. Things were really starting to come together for me, I had long term goals with basketball and I had the results to back them up.

My first city-league game I was dicing through the other team, at one point scoring 15 straight points for my team. Then on one layup I jumped as high as I could and I fell awkwardly. I ended up breaking my foot and tearing three ligaments surrounding my ankle. I was done. I knew it. My high school coach knew it. That is why I said it was one of the biggest mistakes in my life, I was so blinded by my progress and confidence that I couldn't take a step back and slow down for my health. I had such potential, and it was gone. Nonetheless, I learned a lot from basketball and it has taught me so many useful skills that help me in my life. 

Thanks for reading, and come back for more soon.