Notable Athletes: Winter Sports Edition

Swim Team
When asked which one of her swimmers was a notable athlete, Coach L. Fletcher was caught between two of her four year swimmers, Tyler Hucks and Tommy Fallon. Fletcher eventually chose Tyler Hucks, citing his strong leadership ability and growth as a swimmer. Both of which led to him being named team captain in the final season of his high school career.

Hucks was asked why swim is important to him and why he continued to swim throughout the entirety of his four years at West Brunswick: “Swim is important to me because my team and personal fitness. It really teaches you how to work together to reach your own individual success. I’ve been swimming for four years because the coaches are great and teach us a lot of leadership skills.”

Dance Team

Nurse Kate was asked which one of her dancers was the most notable athlete on the team Nurse Kate said, “All those girls are notable, they play this sport year round and they all are committed to the team,” She went on to say, “However, Jalisa Grissett is especially notable due to her organization, patience, leadership, and her ability to get things done.”

Grissett was asked why she continues to dance and its importance she said, “I dance because I love performing. Dance is important to me because I’m usually a shy person, but it allows me to express myself and get out of my comfort zone. Overall, dancing is just fun.”

Women’s Basketball

Coach Dylan Johnson was asked which of his players was his most notable athlete; it was a toss up between two of his seniors, Logan Locklear and Natyra Gore. When asked to choose one, Coach D. Johnson narrowed it down to Logan Locklear. When asked why out of a team of twelve he chose Locklear, Johnson said, “ Logan is my notable athlete because she’s my point guard first and foremost, and I ask the most of her–more than what’s on the court. She might not be the quickest or fastest, but she’s definitely the smartest. She just makes everything go. Without her in the game, it’s a little bit dysfunctional; with her in the game, it makes everything work.”

Locklear was asked what basketball meant to her and why she has played throughout her four years at West Brunswick: “Basketball is important to me because I’ve played it since I was three. It helps me get my mind off of things and relieve any stress I may have.”

Wrestling

Coach Caraway was asked which of his wrestlers was his most notable athlete, he immediately named Jacary Bethel. When asked why he chose Bethel, Caraway said, “He’s my notable athlete because last year he finished fourth in the state; he was a regional champ, and he’s already started off the season 3-0. He’s what we call on the team “The Silent Assassin.” He just gets work done; he doesn’t say anything, and he just has it done.”

Bethel was asked why he has wrestled his entire high school career and why it was important to him: “Wrestling is important to me because it teaches me character and responsibility.”

Cheer Team

When Coach Kim Spencer was asked which of her cheerleaders was the most notable on team, she said, “It is always so hard to pick one stand out athlete when everyone on the team is working so hard and dedicating so much time. But if I HAVE to pick one person, I would say Analiese Poulin is the stand out. As we have transitioned into basketball season, Ana has stepped up to provide more leadership in practice and at games. Her energy is contagious.”

Poulin was asked why cheerleading has such an important role in her life: “Cheer plays an important role in my life because it acts as a stress reliever and I feel freer while I cheer. Cheer allows me to hang out with my friends and compete all in the same environment.”

Men’s Basketball
Coach Tyler Johnson was asked which of his players he would elect for notable athlete for the 2017-2018 winter basketball season his mind automatically went to two of his senior players, Khalil Bland and Rasheed Daniels. When asked to choose one player Coach T. Johnson said Rasheed Daniels. T. Johnson said, “He’s a notable athlete because he always does the little things right. He leads us in practice, and he leads us on the court and off the court. Off the court he’s making really good grades. On the court he’s our vocal leader; he picks us up. He’s our energy guy; when he’s playing well we’re playing well, and that’s why he is what he is for us.”

Daniels was asked why basketball was an important part of of his life and why he continued to play throughout his high school career: “Basketball is important to me because it’s a lifestyle. I’ve been playing since I was three, and I’m on a mission.”