Wake up, school, basketball, repeat. Wake up, school, basketball, repeat. For 5 months our boys and girls basketball teams have grind through their season hardly seeing the light of day. Both having successful seasons, the boys making their run in the state tournament, and the girls finishing 16-8.
As winter sports come to an end spring tryouts have begun. Many on the boys basketball team are even missing their tryouts due to their state tournament appearance. After a constant grind since November, the decision to continue on to a spring sport may be hard. Senior boys basketball player Demarcus McCarty and Junior girls basketball player Jayda Richardson are not just threats on the court, these two make a mark in their spring counterpart as well! McCarty shows his talents on the track while Richardson takes the field in soccer. Both are amazing athletes.
Richardson has been participating in both of her sports since she was around 3 years old. For her basketball team she takes the role of point guard, leading her team in points, steals, and assists per game! On the pitch she plays center mid. Richardson is a leader on both her teams and, to keep her body and mind right, she looks at all aspects of her life.
“It definitely takes a toll on my body going from winter to spring,” Richardson said. “But I like to prioritize recovery and nutrition.”
McCarty, having similar takes, also strives to prioritize mental and physical breaks between each season. Giving your mind and body a chance to come back before jumping into a new sport is important. During the basketball season many players will go quite some time without seeing daylight, and acknowledging the toll that can take on you as a player is big. Talking with coaches to get yourself the break before spring season is huge, and using that time to truly reset your head space is even bigger.
“Going on walks,” McCarty said. “To clear my mind and get myself on an even playing field before going into the spring season.”
Multi-sport athletes are very normal when it comes to high school sports, and many young players worry about the long nights that come with high school sports. Having a plan and confiding into your older teammates can truly help throughout the season.
“Be mentally prepared,” Richardson said, “You need to embrace the pressure.”
As a senior, McCarty is pretty familiar with the struggles of the quick turn around into the spring season. Being able to control your emotions and taking the time you need between seasons sets a player up for success.
Players can often put unnecessary pressure on themselves, making their season that much harder.
“Don’t let your performance define you because if you have one bad game it doesn’t define you at all.” Richardson advises.
Winter is finally winding down, and 70 degree days start to creep up, clouds roll out and the sun finally appears. Spring season is here, and Monarch Nation is ready to make their mark.
