3 FEB. 28, 2015 Sports Feature

As emerging athletes, young children are taught the basic skills of the sport they choose; senior Brendan Lipovsky chose basketball. He’s played since 3rd grade and the years of practice have helped Lipovsky become the player he is as a senior.

Lipovsky’s high school stats started as a freshman with little playing time. He decided the summer before his sophomore year that he wanted to see more court time in the coming season.

“Age does not defi ne skill. The harder you work and the more time you put in during off

season, the better you will be,” said Lipovsky.

He started putting in more hours at

the gym,

practicing every chance he got, and, because of that dedication, he was able to start a few games during his sophomore season. Lipovsky spent countless hours off the court to get him where he’s at now.

“My summers are usually fi lled because of basketball. I spend a lot of time in the gym, participate in camps and play on traveling teams,” said Lipovsky.

Lipovsky set goals for himself his sophomore year. “It was the end of my sophomore year before I could dunk a basketball. I made it my goal to perfect my dunk by junior year. I hit the weight room and pushed myself. I just kept going until I could jump higher and perform more diffi cult dunks.”

With his junior year came more experience and more playing time. Lipovsky started every game that season.

“Brendan has some of the best basketball knowledge and ability I have seen in a kid his age. He moves effortlessly in between the lines, and when he has a basketball in his hands he is a natural! He was probably born with a ball in his hands. Whenever he is on the fl oor you know something incredible is going to happen.” said coach Jared Blackwell.

Due to his dedication to his team, Lipovsky has improved to leading the Cougar Boys’ basketball team with an average 20 points and 2 rebounds a game.

“ W h e n Brendan leaves out the door

I tell him to m a i n t a i n c o m p o s u r e

and be a great teammate, that way you won’t be in trouble with your mother,” said Lipovsky’s mom, Kalee Lipovsky.

Lipovsky has also become a leader for his team off the court, inspiring younger players as well as those he’s played with for years.

“We’ve been playing together since 3rd grade. He is just so good that I want to be better than him, and that motivates me. We are that kind of competitive.” says senior Colton Shuck.

Lipovsky decided to take his basketball career to the next level and play college ball. He has considered playing at Doane, Midland, Omaha and Hastings. Even though he is undecided on where he wants to attend, his mind is set on playing collegiate ball.

“I hope to play basketball in college and continue growing into a better athlete,” said Lipovsky.

Started from the bottom,now we’re hereBy: Tayler Hilligas

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Sandy Creek - Tayler Hilligas