Class of 2013 Point Guard Kahlil Dukes from Capital Prep goes off for 51

Kahlil Dukes is one of the top scorers in the country.

Follow Kahlil on Twitter @Kahlildukes

Not too many people hit 50+ points in a game. How did you feel after that performance?

I felt good to put on a performance for my city. I've trained and trained and worked harder than I ever have for this season and this spring/summer. It was a great feeling seeing the results, competing until the final buzzard, leading and carrying my team, and getting the win in front of 1,200 plus fans that were there.                                                                                                                                                    

A lot of people look at you as just a scorer, but what other part of your game are people sleeping on?

I am much more than a scorer, I'm a combo guard now. I can dish the ball, I can lead a team, I can keep my teammates happy, I can be a coach on the floor, and I can get the job done. Winning has been something I've focused on and I've noticed that scoring isn't the only thing that determines the victory. Once I found that out, which was probably my freshman year when I averaged 29 points a game and failed to advanced my team past the quarter finals, I put my mind toward being more than a scorer. Now I'm right where I want to be, if not on my way.

You've played against some good players. Who are some the best you've played against and why do you consider them the best?

The best player I've played against was Shabazz Muhammad who is now currently ranked the best player in the country. His work ethic, competitive nature, and determination to succeed and be the best really had a positive effect on me. Seeing him takeover the number one spot, and play to his top level of performance every given night really convinced me that he was the real deal. However, Kris Dunn is still my favorite player, at all levels before pros, and I'm pretty sure he'll be there in a couple of years. 

What do you do during the off-season to better your game? What is your workout routine?

During the off season, I went to live period in July with the 17u Connecticut Basketball Club (Andre Drummond, Kris Dunn), and I did good throughout the month. We went to Indiana, Vegas, and Florida. I got back August 1, and I had my first offer from Vermont. I showed Kris Dunn and he told me "don't let that stop your hunger", and after that I just worked on my game ever since and hadn't taken a day off from August 1st all the way through Thanksgiving (when my high school season started). 

I worked on conditioning, I worked on my weaknesses during the live period (finishing with contact, getting stronger, more explosive) which had a lot to do with the weight room, I did tons of shooting, dribbling with a forearm on my waist, hop steps, floaters, and everything you could probably think of, I did. I also watched a lot of film and worked on my winning mentality. I wanted to be a killer this year, and win. And I think that the 50 point performance really showed how hard I trained over the off season. The win made it even better. 

What are your goals as a basketball player and student?
My goals as a player and student are to just be the best person I can be, best student I can be (maintain this 3.2 GPA that I have or raise it), inspire my teammates to want to win as bad as me,be a leader, and just WIN. I feel like if I do that, everything as far as recruiting and all the other little feature stuff that doesn't really mean anything (rankings) will come with that.  Until then, I understand the journey isn't over, and I'm going to continue to keep pushing, training, being patient, and leading. I just want to win and see everything I've trained for pay off. 

Any last remarks or shout outs:
Shout out to my troops (teammates) at Capital Prep, Coach Levy, My bro CJ, my bro Kris Dunn, my bro Andre Drummond, and everyone else who supports me. 

When you work so hard and put everything into something, you expect something in return. I guess you can say this is the return. Kris Dunn said he was proud of me, and with that being said, I will not stop.

TERREON BROWN- CHRISTIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Terreon Brown, I am a Freshman at Christian Brothers High School (Memphis,TN), Class of 2014. The positions I play are FS,WR, and CB. Out of those three I like FS the most.

What was your best game?
It was in 2009 in Middle School when my team went to the State Championship against Paris Inman, which I had 2 touchdowns and 160 yards in that game. But, we failed to hold them at the 20 yard line with 20 seconds to go in the 4th quarter.

Who is the best player you have played against?
The best player I have ever played against was my best friend Marquez Sanders. He is a great competitor on and off the field. We have a fun time fighting for our positions and he really works me until I get it right

How do you make your team better?
The best way to make your team better is to have a positive attitude and pushing your team to your success goals. Work hard, work hard, work hard, and I promise you will get better. Just have FAITH.

Who is your favorite player?
My favorite player I would have to say Josh Bullocks. He represents what a good football player should be and we have the same football number which is 36.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports and Education are important to me because without good grades I can't play football and also I can't get into a good college.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
My only thing I can give to the other young people out there is, follow your dreams and do what's best for you. When I'm on the field all I'm thinking about is tackling the man with the ball. You got to be focus in all the sports you play and the number one rule in sports especially when you are still in school is make good grades. Without good grades you are basically saying I don't want to play sports.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Thank you SoSportz!!! "Success Is Contagious"

MITCH OWENS- BRIARCREST HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
I'm Mitch Owens and I'm from Collierville, TN. I am a freshman at Briarcrest Christian School and play football and run track. I play running back and wear #20 for the Saints,

What was your best game?
This season my best game so far was probably against one of our rivals, CBHS. I had two big touchdown runs,which were the first points their starting defense had allowed all year. Unfortunately we came up short in OT.

How do you make your team better?
I help my team by working hard and setting the tone in practice, in the weight room, and most importantly on the field. You can count on me to make something happen when the game is on the line.

Who is your favorite player? Why?
Tim Tebow- He is a great role model and a great player
Trent Richardson- He is a freak. In my eyes pretty much the perfect running back. I try to model my game off his combination of speed, power, and the ability to keep the play alive.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports are important because they teach you important skills for life and also keep you busy and out of trouble. Education is more important though because sports can't take you through life alone. You're only one play away from being done for life.

What do you want to do if sports don't work out?
In college I plan to play football if I can and get involved with the Air Force ROTC program. After that I hope to become a fighter pilot for the Air Force.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Most importantly, trust God with everything he throws at you. Also give your best effort at EVERYTHING. It all pays off eventually.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
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"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."
Vince Lombardi

MARQUIS MARSHALL- COLLIERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
Hey my name is Marquis Marshall and I'm 15 years old. I'm 5'8, I play football, and basketball. My favorite thing to do is play football. I could play it all day an night. I play for the Collierville Dragons in Collierville, Tennessee and run a 4.57 in the 40. On the field I play running back and linebacker. On the court I play shooting guard and point guard. The most points I've scored playing is 36 points. I was 7 for 9 from 3 point range.

What was your best game?
My best football game would have to be against Southwind High School two days ago. I scored the opening kickoff which was a 92 yards return. I had 14 key tackles, one sack, and I saved the game. Even though I got hurt, it was still my best game.

How do you make your team better?
I never put my team down. If we miss I tell them that we will make up for it next time , if we need a big play I tell the coach to put me in and I can do it. Now, every time we need a big play the coaches call on me " Dr. Marshall". I'm a team leader and I do all I can to help my team. My team is my life until the season is over.

Who is your favorite player? Why?
My favorite player is Ray Lewis. He is the best linebacker to ever play the game to me. My favorite thing to do is watch him play no matter if they're winning or losing. My favorite basketball player is Lebron James. He is the best player in the NBA to me. I think he is the greatest player besides Michael Jordan who's the best of all times.

Why are sports/education important to you?
I think sports can take you a long way along with a great education. A good education will take us a lot farther in life than sports.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Just always keep your head up and play your game. Work hard for you and nobody else.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Thanks SoSportz!!! This is the best sports blog ever!!!

EARL SWIFT- SOUTHFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Earl Swift. I am a 6'2 basketball player that plays any position needed. I am an sophomore in the class of 2013. I go to Southfield High School. I'm played jv last year for basketball and this year I'm playing varsity.

What are your dreams in life?
To get a D1 scholarship. And in the future I hope to make a million dollars.

What was your best game?
At Joe Dumars when I scored 30 points. I felt unstoppable!

Why are sports/education important to you?
Education always comes first. My mom reminds me of that everyday. Education will always outlast sports any day. Sports, however, is a privilege that only a few people receive. I am blessed that I can go play.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
Keep working harder..and get stronger.

How do you make your team better?
Become more vocal. Do whatever it takes to win a state championship

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Keep working in the class room, and on the athletic field!

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
SoSportz is where its at! If you want to get started with your career start here!

CHIN ONUOHA- WAKE FOREST ROLESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Chinedu Onuoha ,but people call me Chin for short. I am a senior defensive end at Wake Forest Rolesville High School in North Carolina. I love the game of football and I feel football teaches me alot about life.

What are your dreams in life?
My dreams are to one day be successful whether playing football professionally or doing a job that fits me best. Also to do something I love and to get paid for it.

What was your best game?
My best game was the 1st game of this season. I had 14 tackles and 4 sacks. It felt good because I knew we were headed in the right direction and we are 5 and 0 right now.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports and Education are important to me because the student comes before the athlete and if you don't take pride in your academics, you can't succeed on the football field.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
To make myself better in football I should be in the weight room a lot more and take everything my coaches say to the heart because they are here to help me. Also, be coach-able, watch a TON of film to correct my mistakes in practice, and go to off season workouts because that is where the work is put in.

How do you make your team better?
I make my team better by pushing others in practice, teaching younger JV players what I know, and asking questions if I am confused. Also, being a team player, try to be selfish, and trust my teammates around me.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Make the most out of high school sports because it goes by fast. Take whatever your coaches say seriously because they want to see you succeed. After the season go to the off season workouts because it really pays off when the season starts.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Thanks SoSportz for this interview and opportunity. I am happy that you guys take the time out to know a student-athlete. Not a lot of sites are doing what you guys are doing. That's what makes you guys unique. "Success Is Contagious"

MICHAEL WINKLER- BRYAN STATION HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
I'm Michael Winkler. I'm a 6'0, 165 pound senior quarterback from Bryan Station High School in Lexington, Kentucky.

What are your dreams in life?
I want to play football for as long as I can. When I'm done playing the game of football, I want to become a head high school coach and the take it to the college level.

What was your best game?
My best game was last year in a game that decided if we made the playoffs. I threw for 235 and 3 scores to get the win.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports to me is a way to get a free education that will benefit me for the rest of my life. Without education we aren't anything.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
Personally I have to keep my emotions in control, but as a leader I need to bring my team together as a unit.

How do you make your team better?
I'm one of the most experienced players on the team so that helps. I make plays that put the people around me in the position to make plays for themselves.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Hard work defines who you are as a player and as a person. Keep your head up and get it done.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Thanks for the interview SoSportz!

GREGORY MERZIGIAN- WAKEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
I'm a freshman at Wakefield High School. I'm 5'7 and weigh 150 pounds. I play hockey because it's so much fun and there's nothing like putting on those pads and skating out on the rink to make saves. I'm big on training for hockey. I love making jokes with my friends and playing all kinds of sports with them out in the street.

What are your dreams in life?
Like any other serious athlete I would like to play for my favorite colleges (Boston College or Maine University), or any other strong D1 team. After that I would like to see where hockey takes me and at what levels I can play at.

What was your best game?
One of the best games I've had was in my last season. We we're playing one of our rivals and I had around 50 saves. Unfortunately we had a bad loss of 4-0.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Hockey and education are my life. If I'm not doing homework I'm out on the rink or doing something to help me with hockey. Being out on the rink makes me more happier than anything else. I also believe that good education is one thing that gets us to have a college or university to pick you over a athlete just as good as you or maybe even a little better with bad grades, which is why I'm taking all honors classes to raise my GPA.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
Just to keep working on my endurance and practicing as much as I can. Practice makes perfect and perfect is the goal I'm striving for. When you're as serious of an athlete as me, you have to be doing everything perfect.

How do you make your team better?
On most of the teams that I play for, I get around 20 shots against as an average. Stopping as many as I possibly can keeps my team in the game and making good saves gives them momentum to help them score. I tell them that as long as I'm doing everything I can to help them they need to do the same for me.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Some advice I could give is to make sure you can be able to manage your sports and school work so you can get them both done. Make sure you put school before your sports because like I said before, if there's another athlete out there that's just as good as you but has better grades colleges and universities will no doubt pick them over you.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
SoSportz has given me a great opportunity to help achieve my goals and I hope they'll do the same for you. Thank you for all that you've done already and good luck to everyone else doing the same thing I am.

KEVAWN LORD- AMHERST HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Kevawn Lord and I'm a 6'1 rising sophomore guard that plays for Amherst High School.  I play basketball everyday, all year long and hope to reach my full potential and play at the highest level I can.

What are your dreams in life?
My dreams are the same as any other athlete.  I want to play at a good D1 college basketball program and then see where I can go from there.

What was your best game?
I was playing an AAU game in Worchester and I had 26 points in a hard fought losing effort against a team from Cape Cod.

Why are sports/education important to you?
I love playing sports.  I don't know what I would be doing if I couldn't spend my time playing basketball. I need to focus more on my education just like I do my sports.  I plan to focus a lot more on school, but still put in work on the court and in the gym.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
A few things that I can do to improve my sport is by working hard practicing, getting in the gym as much as possible, and to stay focused on my goals.

How do you make your team better?
I take basketball seriously and try to do the things that my team needs. If we're losing and no one else is scoring then I'll score.  If we need a 3 then I'll find us a 3, whether I shoot it or find an open man.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Definitely stay focused with your grades and keep playing hard.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Shout out SoSportz for letting student athletes gain support and exposure. Its a great site helping players get the accolades they need to further their game.

BO BROOKS- HENRY CLAY HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
I'm Bo Brooks and I'm a senior at Henry Clay High school. I'm a soon to be four-year lettermen in football and track. In football, I play running back and cornerback and have been a three-year starter. I have 1,223 career rushing yards and six touchdowns. I'm a complete running back; I can run, block, and catch. I run a 4.4 forty, have a 36 inch vertical, run a 4.2 shuttle and have a 9'6 broad jump. I made second-team all city as a junior and have won freshmen of the year in football. I come from an athletic family. My dad, Randy Brooks, played and started at the University of Kentucky from 1976-80 in football. He was a member of the 1976 peach bowl team and the 1977 10-1 team that went undefeated in the SEC. I have two cousins that currently play in the NFL. I have a cousin named Jordan Pugh, who is a rookie safety for the Carolina panthers and Montavious Stanley who is a five-year NFL veteran Defensive Tackle for the Miami Dolphins. Last, but not least, my Uncle Jimmie Brooks was the all-time leading rusher at Eastern Kentucky University and played for the San Francisco 49ers. In track, I run the 100, 200 and 4 by 100 meter relay. I run 11.0 100 meter dash and 22.9 200 meter dash. I was a state participant in the 100 meter dash and the 4 by 100 meter relay this past year. In football, I am receiving interest from UK, Louisville, Vanderbilt, Marshall, Illinois, Virginia, Western Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky, Murray State, and Morehead State.

What are your dreams in life?
My dreams in life are to play college and pro football and get a college degree in education.

What was your best game?
My best game was last year in 2009 against Dunbar high school when I rushed for 111 yards on nine carries and two touchdowns. My Team won 47-0.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports are important to me because I have been playing them since I was six and have enjoyed it. I meet lots of new people through sports and love the competitiveness that comes with it. I love working with others to make the team better. Education is important to me because it’s one thing that's going to take me far in life. It’s always known as a back-up plan if anybody doesn’t make it in sports. I love history, so I hope to become a history teacher one day. On the academic end, I have 3.5 GPA and nine college credit hours already as a current high school senior. I've completed English 101 and 102. My Act score is a 20.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
I can get better by continuing to work on my weaknesses and flaws. I also can also continue to watch film and learn to correct my mistakes from certain games and listening to my family members that have played at the college level or pro because they know what it takes to get there.

How do you make your team better?
I make my team better by leading by example vocally and non-vocally. I encourage the young players and new starters to pay attention, watch film, get reps, work hard, and listen to coaches. I encourage my teammates to be leaders on and off the field.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
My advice to other student-athletes is work on your weaknesses on the field and in the classroom. Also my advice most importantly is to have fun playing sports and enjoy life.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
That’s all SoSportz, thanks for the interview and taking your time to get to know me.

DANIEL APREM- NASEBEN HIGH SCHOOL (IRAQ)

Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Daniel Aprem and I was a student at Naseben High School but now I'm a student at the Institute of Trade and Marketing. I am from Iraq in Duhok City. My height is 5'11 and I played the 1 and 2 on the court. I use to play with the school team and Duhok Club.

What are your dreams in life?
My dream in life is finishing my school and college. After college, I want to play on the European Clubs or any team outside my residence. But if I don't succeed in that , then I would like to do something with the law.

What was your best game?
My best game was last year in the Municipal Championship game I scored 25 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Education and sports are important to me because playing basketball all year around keeps me out of trouble. Education is very important because its our future. With a good education I will find a good job.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
I can make myself better by practicing on my own everyday. Shoot 500 shots around the court everyday and running we'll improve my game. I have to work hard to be better in future.

How do you make your team better?
I make my team better in practice. I always encourage and push my team to do the right training and work hard to make great union together in the team.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
My advice for other athletes and students is to never give up on your education. If you read hard you will succeed on the exam. In sports, if you train hard you will be successful and you will be great player in future.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Thanks SoSportz for everything!!!! "Success Is Contagious"

DANIEL KING- SOUTHFIELD-LATHRUP HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Daniel King and I am a 9th grader and I will be attending Southfield-Lathrup High School next school year. Also I am ranked one of the top 8th graders in the state of Michigan. I averaged 17 pts and 6 asts this AAU season.

What are your dreams in life?
My dreams in life are to become a McDonald’s All-American and get a basketball scholarship to any Division 1 college program. Also I want to make it into the NBA and become a NBA all-star point guard.

What was your best game?
My best game to me was when we to a AAU tournament and I won MVP and I had 28 pts and 8 asts.

Why are sports/education important to you?
That is important to me because I need education and sports is my passion. Also you need education to really succeed in anything you want to do in life.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
I can become some of a better off-guard and learn how to rebound a little bit better.

How do you make your team better?
I involve all my teammates and keep everyone happy while playing my all around game.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
To never give up on your dreams and to work hard everyday because it’s always someone out there working on their game when you're not.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
SoSportz is the future of recruiting and they are the best! Thanks SoSportz this how to get your name out there.

MICHAH GLENN- DETROIT COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Micah Glenn and I'm a 5'9 point guard. I attend Detroit Country Day School and I'm in the class of 2013. I've been playing basketball since I was 5 and prep spotlight ranked me one of the top freshman in Michigan.

What are your dreams in life?
My dream in life is to go to college on a Division 1 basketball scholarship. It is my dream because it is something attainable that can lead to better things. I don't have to go pro from it but I can get an education by receiving it.

What was your best game?
My best game was probably this summer when I scored 30 points at Stanford University High profile camp. It was my best game because it was basically a 1 on 1 match up between me and this kid from Chicago and we were going back and forth, bucket for bucket, in front of all the coaches there.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports/Education are important to me because they both teach you life lessons.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
By working hard at it and making sure that playing that particular sport is what I want to do.

How do you make your team better?
I make my team better by playing together with them on the court and being enthusiastic about what there doing when I'm not on the court. Making sure my teammates know I value them is also very important.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Just continue to work hard to reach your goals. It will pay off!

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Thanks SoSportz!! If you want to get your name out to there to colleges, SoSportz is the way to get it done!!

JORDAN PAGE #79- PRINCETON DAY SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Jordan Page. I'm 6'4", 15 years old, and I go to Princeton Day School. I play football and basketball.

What are your dreams in life?
My dreams in life are one to graduate from the college of my choice and following that, play professional football. If that doesn't workout, I'd like to pursue a career in Music Marketing/Production.

What was your best game?
My best football game was freshman year against St. Andrews. I had 2 sacks and 5 tackles on Defense and I didn't let up any sacks as a Left Tackle.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports and education have always been important to me since day one. I love to play basketball and football whenever I can, but I know that without good grades, sports just becomes a hobby and I won't have the opportunity to play in college.  More importantly, I need to have a good education to get into college and be successful if professional sports doesn't work.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
In order to make myself better in football, I have to continue to dedicate myself to the sport. Keep going to camps, practice everyday, work hard and mentally and physically progress in football. Lifting more, working out whenever I can and correcting every mistake.

How do you make your team better?
I make my team better by always going to practice with a 110% effort, having the right attitude, try to be a leader, and being a good teammate. Also, I give it my all when I play and do what my coaches expect out of us.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
My advice is time management. You have to know how to balance your school work, sports, and social life and try to figure out what's the most important to you. Education comes first and then sports, but try not to be distracted with the social life.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Shout out to SoSportz!!!

DARRIAN MILLER- BLUE SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Darrian Miller. I play football for Blue Springs High School in Blue Springs, MO. I play running back. I'm a 2 time first team all-state selection. I'm going to be a senior this year.

What are your dreams in life?
I would say to graduate from college with a degree in business management. Then move to Colorado and open a business.

What was your best game?
My junior year against Blue Springs South in our rivalry game I had 15 carries for 265 yards and 6 TDs.

Why are sports/education important to you?
They are important because I used one to get the other. By playing football, I'm able to further my education.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
Practice whenever everyone else is taking breaks. Outwork the competition so you are able to play at a higher level than everyone else.

How do you make your team better?
I would say by leading by example for the other players. I make plays and they follow the lead and do the same so it works out.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Work harder than you ever have so you can achieve what you've never did. Always put school as high as a priority than sports are to you. Make sure you are still having fun while you're working for your dream.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Big Shout out to SoSportz for the interview!!!!

TY'LEKE LOVE- DOBYNS BENNETT HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Ty'Leke Love I am 13 years old and I'm 6ft and going to the 9th grade I will be attending Dobyns Bennett high school in Kingsport , Tennessee. I want to start early to get recognized so I can go to a top Division 1 school.

What was your best game?
I played alot of good in my career but my best one was last year at Nationals against the Soysa Suns. I had 34 points 6 rebs and 7 assists.

Why are sports/education important to you?
The reason basketball is so important to me is because I have played it all my life and most of the boys in my family have went on to play college basketball. I want to get a good degree to have after I'm out of college in case I don't go pro.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
I can get better by doing practice drills over and over.

How do you make your team better?
I can make my team better by keep pushing them and showing them how to do something if they don't do it right.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Just to don't give up. If you want to be the best player, give 100 percent effort at all times.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Thank you SoSportz!!!!

NATE HOWARD- CHESHIRE HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
Hi my name is Nate Howard and I attend Cheshire High School in Cheshire, CT. I play basketball and Volleyball. I am 16 years old and I am 6'10". I have been playing basketball all my life and started playing Volleyball 2 years ago and I enjoy playing them both.

What are your dreams in life?
My dreams in life are to play basketball or volleyball at the college level and continue to play sports as I grow up. I also want to play in the NBA or play in the Olympics for Volleyball.

What was your best game?
My best game was in the regular season. I got fouled with .4 seconds left in the game and we were down by 2. I made both shots and sent us into overtime. Along with my 22pts, we won in overtime.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports are important to me because I love to play them. It's what I have been doing all my life. Education is important to me because it will help me get into college and help get a good job for my future.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
What I do to make myself better is practice on my shots and low post moves in my free team. I try hard in practice and try to make myself a better player.

How do you make your team better?
I make my team better by helping them out and cheering them on to help give them the motivation they need to be better players. It is very important to play as a team and cheer them on.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Some advice I can give to other student athletes is to practice hard, study hard, and you can play or do anything you want in life.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Thanks SoSportz!!!!

BALA WAGON- SUCCESS CITY ACADEMY (KUMASI-GHANA)

Tell everyone about yourself?
Bala is my name, from Kumasi-Ghana. I am a Basketball Athletes currently enrolled in SUCCESS CITY ACADEMY High School and played for Kumasi SLIZZERS Basketball Team. I play as Point Guard.  I am 6ft 3inches tall and it's always in my mind to be among a winning team.  I love to score in a game and playing defense against my opponents. I also like extra training after I finish with my Coach and teammates. I have a dream of playing in High School and College in United States and then someday pursue to the highest level if I get the nod.

What are your dreams in life?
My aim is to play at either NBA, D-League or FIBA someday and not going there just like that but to show my Coaches, teammates, fans and others the best of me. I want to go there to show the best of myself.

What was your best game?
Actually my best game was in 2009 Inter-Schools Basketball Tournament, both at Semi-Finals and Grande Finale, when we met K. T. I. High School.  We were down, I got the rebound, and went on a fast break for 2 points for us to make it the finals.  The other game was wining against Anglican High School in the finals with the help of my 22 points to win the trophy in the history of the School.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Both are important to me.  Playing Basketball will give me the opportunity to further my education.  I am very serious with my books.  I am Business Accounting student in my 2nd year.  My second vision is to be an Accountant or Banker someday but I prefer to play in the NBA.  I don’t know where my future lies so I am trying to make both, one is going to happen!

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
It is very important for everyone to better him/herself in whatever you plan to do in the future. For me, after training with my Coach and teammates, I spent 2 hours on private training 4 times per week and 3times per week on my books because I don’t know what will happened in future. In all, I am doing very well to get to a High School in the U. S. and perhaps College where I will get better training facilities to better myself to play in the NBA someday.  It is always in my dreams.

How do you make your team better?
This is my field, when my team is in need I play as much as I can to raise the team up.  As a leader of the team, I do play a difference in all time to help the Forwards to make the basket for the team. For instance, in 2009 Inter-Schools playoff I did the same against K.T.I. High school and recently my community team Slizzers Basketball Team against Lebanon Basketball Club.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
What I have for my fellow colleagues is “Education is the Key to Success”.  The NBA is second to non sports in the world, but remember if you are in school please try to learn both and focus on your training and books.  If I get the nod, I'm sure I'm going to do the same.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Yeah, I have enjoyed the interview question and I am proud to be a part of SoSportz!!  Thank you for supporting young student-athletes in our right way of the future. Thanks to everyone!!!

LAWRENCE POILLY- DEULOFEU MIDDLE SCHOOL/DEULOFEU HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Lawrence Poilly and I'm 14 years old. I play point guard and shooting guard for my 8th grade team. I'm 6'2, I can dunk, and I love to score. This is the reason I average 24 points per game. Next year I will be in high school and I just want to be the best basketball player I can be by putting in work every day in the gym. I have D-1 college plans and also NBA plans so we'll see what happens the next few years.

What are your dreams in life?
My goal is definitely going to the NBA and not just going there, I want to be a star in the NBA. I want to get there and be the best when I get there.

What was your best game?
I think this season I have three best game,
#1: I scored 32 points.
#2: I scored 24 and dished out 12 assists.
#3: I scored 27 points and grabbed 15 rebounds.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports and education are very important for me because both give me a lot of support so this is the reason I want to be better at both. I think a lot of good high school players don't pay attention at school or they skip school to do others things. These kind of players can't be good student-athletes without instruction or without education. This is the reason I maintain a 3.2 GPA at school and I study a little bit every day. It's a lot of pressure to maintain good marks in school but I handle it well.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
Well, I can be better by working hard everyday, 2 hours a day. I learned the game of basketball by watching NBA, college, and high school games. I learn from every player I watch so the little things can make you a better player. For me, the most important thing is to learn from every mistake you do in a game when you workout because little things do great thinks.

How do you make your team better?
I make my team better by working 110% every time I touch the floor by creating a chemistry that no one can break, by supporting my teammates in every phase of the game, and by giving support when they're not doing their best. I can also make my team better by holding my match-up to 0 points and play defense as if it were the last thing in my life. This is why we were regionals champs.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
I have to say only two things, school comes first and do what you have to do without being cocky.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Thanks SoSportz for supporting young student-athletes like me and giving me the opportunity to talk to you. It was nice answering the interview questions.

RONALD BAINES- EASTERN HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
I'm Ronald Baines but everyone calls me "Duke". I got the name from my toddler years.  I have been playing football since the age of six.  I would have to say I have a passion for the game because if I didn't I would have stopped awhile ago. My parents are not together but that doesn't mean they don't support me.  I see my dad everyday and he helps me be a better person. My mom on the other hand is the best mom there could be because the way she supports me in whatever I do.

What are your dreams in life?
To be a coach or a trainer. My trainer is Coach Greg Pease from Fear None Training.  He is a great up and coming coach/trainer and you should look him up.  I also would love to play in the NFL but without Jesus Christ none of this can be done so I just need to focus on what needs to be done.

What was your best game?
My best game was against Seneca High School.  I had the 1st hit on our defense playing corner.  I ended the game with nine tackles and 2 interception. This was my best game because I felt that I was unstoppable on the field.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports and Education are very important to me because I figure with out neither you really can't be successful in today's world.  You will always need something to fall back on after sports no matter what it is.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
I can eat healthy, get the proper amount of rest, and get as many workouts as I can because everything is muscle memory.

What is your dream college?
My dream school was always the University of Michigan because of one of my favorite players, Charles Woodson, went there and became an All-American. I have family there so when I was younger, probably around 10 or 11, it was the 1st college that I had ever visited.

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
My character, my abilities, and my smarts.  Some players are smart guys but they can't tell you what the other players are doing wrong on film.  I have football smarts.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
To the other future student-athletes I would just say stay focused in school and don't get discouraged. Always keep working to be the best in the class just as you are on the field.  The title of the school that you want to go to does not matter, just make sure it is a great fit for you and your family.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
I want to give a shout out to SoSportz!!!  Thank you for interviewing me!