Believe the Hype!

SoSportz.com- Opposing players are saying it's the system, some fans are still not buying it, and some people think he's getting the hype because of his race. In reality, Jeremy Lin is just a very good basketball player playing at a very high level for the New York Knicks.  Sports are all about getting an opportunity and once you get the opportunity, taking advantage of it. Yes, he was the last man on the roster but that doesn't mean he wasn't a good basketball player.  He's been playing this way since high school but he's finally getting the playing time and recognition that he's earned.  Lin will have some up and down games but the numbers he has been putting up is who he is. I'm on the Linsanity bandwagon and he will lead the Knicks deep in the NBA Playoffs. Believe the Hype!

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New York Knicks point guard, Jeremy Lin, is here to stay.

AMIN TAHERI- CHESHIRE HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
Hi my name is Amin Taheri. I am a sophomore at Cheshire High School and I have been playing soccer since I was 4 years old. I feel in love with the game when my dad handed me a ball and I never stopped playing since. I first started out as a goalie and then moved to the field. The reason I changed positions wasn't because I wasn't good, it was because we had too many goalies at our school. I played goalie for a top team in our state and I gave that up because I thought I didn't have a shot at making our school team. I tore my ACL and Meniscus on December 13th 2009.

What was your best game?
My best game was more like a best tournament. It was an indoor tournament at this arena and it was my first time playing with the older players. I had such an amazing tourny that the coach offered me a spot on the team.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports and education are important to me because I believe that if you do well in both you will be a very successful person in life. For example, if I just cared about sports, there's a chance I could get hurt and lose everything I worked for and then there won't be a backup plan since I let go of school.

What can you do yo make yourself better in your sport?
I think I can become better in my sport by working hard and achieving things that others can't even dream of. I work day and night to turn myself into the best player possible.

What is your dream college?
My dream college is UCONN. I don't think I'm good enough to get there now but if I work as hard as I am now my dream might come true.

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I would tell the college coach that I would bring more intensity then anyone else that he has seen before. I will bring passion and love for the game to the field and off of it also.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
The best advice I can give student athletes is to remember that they are just that, STUDENT-athletes, there's a reason that student comes first and they need to know that. People care too much about their sport and don't care enough about there education these days.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
I thought my shot at getting recognized as a player was done, until I found SoSportz. With the exposure they give players, I now think that I have a shot at playing soccer in college.

KEITH DEARDEN- THE PENNINGTON SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
Hello my name is Keith Dearden. I'm currently a Jr. at The Pennington School. I play quarterback, punter, and kicker for the football team. I was all state second team and prep player of the year. I broke the school record throwing for 1439 yards this past season. Im 6 foot 1 and weigh 180 pounds. I have a 3.5 GPA and recieved a 1500 between all three sections on my SAT.

What was your best game?
My Best game was against Calvery Christian Academy. In this game I threw for 295 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Why are sports/education important to you?
My whole family played sports and one went pro, so sports are my life. I love sports and my goal is to continue the legacy of my family's name and do something with my talent. I'm also very big on education because sports don't last forever and I need a back up plan so I can have a great life.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
I can continue to work hard and practice everyday so that the things I need to do in a game situation become second nature. When I need to do something at a certain time in a game it will just come to me. I need to prepare myself for the next level so that I'm ready for the next step.

What is your dream college?
I would love to play high D-1 AA and contend for a D-1AA championship atleast once in my four years. If I can go to a Texas or Alabama I would love too but I want to just play competitive football in college. That's the goal. So a Villanova, Deleware, or a Richmond would be ideal.

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I will be a leader and I will lead the team to where it needs to be. I will step up and take the leadership role for everything the team does and make it the best it can be. I have the drive to win and there is nothing that's going to stop me from winning every game I play. I'm a winner and I want to win to help the team and school be the best it can be.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
To work hard because there are alot of spots out there for the taking and if you work hard you will accomplish your goals. work hard cause theres always someone working harder to take your spot so if you want it work hard. also get your work done because I have seen too many stories on the news about people who can't play because of grades. Get it done in the classroom first, that's most important.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
SoSportz is a great website and the best sports site out there!

ANTHONY GAFFNEY- THE PENNINGTON SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
I'm Anthony Gaffney. I'm a 6'2" 180 lb. 16 year old junior from The Pennington School in Pennington, NJ. I'm a tri-sport athlete, playing football, basketball, and track. I play multiple positions in football and basketball, and in track I run the 200, the 4x400, the 110 hurdles, and the long jump.

What was your best game?
I'd say my best game was against Springfield, Pa. I had a ton of receptions and two tds. The first touchdown was a punt return where I hurdled one of their players on the sideline before breaking three more tackles to score. The next was a receiving td.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports and education are important because its an outlet for me. I'm using my God given athletic ability to help get myself a scholarship so I can get a degree. At some point in my life, the ball is going to stop bouncing. I'm going to need my eduction so I can be successful in life, and if I can use sports to get a free education, then that's exactly what I'm going to do.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
To make myself better, I or anyone out there has to do things that no one else is doing. In order to be special, you have to be different. You can't do what everyone else is doing. You have to do that little extra. By doing so, you'll make yourself better. Simple things, like doing extra reps while working out or getting up early to go for run. They may seem simple but they go a long way.

What is your dream college?
I'd say my dream schools are Stanford and UVA. They both have great programs, but the education that goes along with that is incredible.

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I'd tell the coach that I'd have to lead by example. If you stand out as a leader, others will follow suit. By stepping up and leading your team, they will get better. By challenging your teammates every day, they have no choice but to step up their play.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
To other student athletes, I'd have to say to make sure you stay grounded. No matter how many schools are recruiting you, don't get a big head. Keep focus on your school work and whatever responsibilities you have at home and everything will fall into place. Also, don't let up. Keep working so that you stay on top of your game.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
And to SoSportz, thanks for the opportunity. I'm glad you guys gave me the chance to let my voice be heard. You guys do a lot for guys like myself, letting us be known in the sports community. And to everybody else out there, if you're in the area, make sure you come check us out next year. I'll be sure to put on a show.

LAUREN AVANT- LAUSANNE COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
I'm Lauren Avant, an 18-year-old Senior at Lausanne Collegiate School. I'm a 5'9", 150 pound true point guard that can convert to a combo guard at any time. I've been playing basketball since I was five or six, been on the competitive aau/exposure circuit since I was 9. I committed to play for Pat Summit and the Lady Vols on Thanksgiving of my freshman year. I have a 4.7 GPA and plan on becoming an Orthopedic Doctor after graduating from Tennessee. I suffered from a severe shoulder injury so I didn't play on the circuit this summer and only played a couple high school games, so I missed out on alot of events and camps I was invited to.

What was your best game?
It's hard to choose a single game out of my entire career that's 'best'. I personally think my best games are when I'm able to get my teammates involved; one game I had 21 assists. My first high school game back after my shoulder injury, I had a quadruple double, so if I had to pick, it'd be one of those games.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports and education are important to me because I know that this day in age that sports can pay for your education, and you need an education to succeed in life and have a steady income. Sports also influence education becomes sometimes you need that instinctive competitive nature that only sports can give you to want to better yourself in life, which starts in the classroom.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
To better myself in my sport, I'd first have to get healthy so I can actually produce. Then I'd like to work on my leadership skills and qualities because I understand the importance of a point guard being vocal and also leading by example. Lastly, I'd like to not only increase my worth ethic but also increase the work ethic of the players around me.

How do you make your team better?
I think I make my team better by bringing a fiery intensity and just pure energy to the game every night. I'm not afraid to mix it up with the guards or the big men; I’m just a scrappy guard. I'm also very unselfish, so I like to get my teammates in the game by delivering accurate passes in the shooting pocket because I understand that truly makes a difference and just getting them in the position to score points. I also like to have fun playing, which is rare now, and I think that relaxes the team.

How do you feel about being a future Lady Volunteer?
I honestly can't wait to get up there. I feel like it's been forever since I've committed, and I can't wait to get up there to play. I was born a Lady Vol; it's always been my dream school and pretty much the only school so I plan on making the best of this opportunity.

How was the recruiting process?
The recruiting process was hectic. It started in like 8th grade; my AAU coach was my stepfather, so they could contact us legally. Then I started getting contacted illegally, and NCAA ended up checking my phone bill monthly. They came to my house and investigated. It was crazy, and that's part of the reason it ended so early. It's really hard getting to know all of these coaches and realizing how they're just great people, then choosing another school. The recruiting process is just stressing.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
If I could tell student athletes anything, I would tell them to value their education and to take advantage of all of these scholarships and to look into the academic section of the schools and not just the athletics portion because academics will always be useful and athletics can only take you so far. But while you have the opportunity to be an athlete, take full advantage of that too and work as hard as you can to be the best. Time management is essential in being the best student-athlete on any level so learn it as early as possible, and last but not least, don't let anyone tell you what you can't do or what you're too young to do; try your best to prove everyone wrong.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Thank you SoSportz for creating this awesome website with loads of information and also for creating an awesome facebook page to relate to the young student athletes across the nations. Keep it up!

TYLER SHARP- WELLINGTON SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
My Name Is Tyler Sharp. I'm a 6'1", 185 pound freshman guard, I attend The Wellington School in Columbus Ohio and I play varsity basketball.

What was your best game?
My best game was against Berne Union in Sugar Grove Ohio. I single handed brought our team back from a 11 point deficit to win the game in the final 6 seconds. i finished with 21 points i had went 3-3 from three point range.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports and education are important to me because I come from a family where education comes first. If I want to play college ball, coaches will recruit an above average student with good athletics rather than a below average student with great athletics.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
Just keep working on my game I need to improve my skills because natural athleticism will only get me so far because when I'm not in the gym someone else is.

What is your dream college?
My dream college is Syracuse because the way they run the 2-3 zone is my favorite defensive set and the one I think I work best in.

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I never get "rattled" when the games in clutch moments. I love getting my teammates involved which I think makes them better and builds team chemistry.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
My advice to other student athletes is make sure you keep your grades up because the student comes before the athlete.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Shout Out to SoSportz and thanks for the opportunity. Look Out For Me!

DILLON WATTS- MACARTHUR HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
I'm Dillon Watts. I'm the starting varsity right guard. I'm 6ft,270 lbs and I attend MacArthur High School.

What are your pre-game rituals?
I listen to anything that will piss me off so I can hurt my opponent and I eat whatever my mom makes for me=)

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports help me show people what I am capable of and how fun it is to be a part of a team.

What professional athlete would you say you pattern your game behind and why?
Jake Long because he can play both left and right just like me. His run blocking is just devestating.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Always try your best and if things dont go your way keep on chugging.

Besides sports, what are other hobbies that you enjoy?
I play Rock Band, lift weights, and to chill with my family.

What are your plans for life after sports?
I hope I don't have to plan for that,but if I do I would like to become a sports doctor.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
SOSPORTZ IS SICKKK

CAMYN BOONE- MOUNTAIN VIEW HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Camyn Boone. I am a sophomore at Mountain View High School in Arizona. I am 6'5'' and play power forward, while trying to transition to a small forward.

What was your best game?
My most memorable game this year was most likely against Corona Del Sol, finishing with a double double and a dunk, without my man scoring.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Basketball is important to me because it is my passion, and it can help me get to college.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
To further improve myself at basketball, I need to gain more confidence in my shooting ability, and become more agile.

What is your dream college?
I really have never had a dream college, so as long as I can achieve my academic goals while I'm anywhere, then I will be fine.

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
My knowledge for the game and unselfishness would improve their team play.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?

To excel in school, and to work hard because a little pain from working out hurts alot less than the pain of regret.

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

MALCOLM ROGERS- BASHA HIGH SCHOOL

Tell us about yourself?
The name is Malcolm L. Rogers. I'm from Gary, Indiana. I'm 5'7 1/2 and I weight about 155. I go to Basha High School. Basketball is my life, and I want to continue to learn more about the game.

What are your pre-game rituals?
I eat my favorite food which is Chicken the night before a game, and listen to songs that motivate me, and look at my lucky jersey number (31).

What professional athlete would you say you pattern your game behind and why?D-Wade! He's an amazing athlete and I would like to meet him. He has heart and I can tell he loves the game. I also want to play him one on one.

Besides sports, what are other hobbies that you enjoy?
Hanging out with friends and having fun. I'm a live person and I like to get out a lot.

How are you doing in school?
I'm doing ok. I know I can do alot better. I just got to stay focused.

If you could meet anybody, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Ummmm... I would want to meet Will Smith and that is because I want to know how much time it took to practice on all his talents.

What are your plans for life after sports?
I have no clue honestly lol.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
SOSPORTZ IS WHATS UPPPP!!!! YEA BOII!!!!!

SCOTTIE DULAIRE- BLOOMFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

Tell everyone about yourself?
My name is Scott Dulaire but every one calls me Scottie. I go to Bloomfield High School. I have been playing ball since I was 5 and haven't stopped since.

What was your best game?
My best game was when my high school played Windsor High first game of the season this year in a sold out gym.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport? I can just push myself harder until mind and body give up.

What is your dream college?
My dream college is VCU

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I would bring a different mood that will encourage everyone to play better.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
What ever you do in your sport do double that in the class room.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
SHOUTOUTS TO SOSPORTZ!!!!

RYAN MITCHELL- HENRY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

Tell us about yourself?
My name is Ryan Mitchell. I am 6'0 205. I play football, basketball, and run track. I live in Henry County and go to Henry County High School.

What was your best game?
My best game was this past football season when we played North Oldham when I had 8 catches for 90 yards. As a run team, I think thats pretty good.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Our coaches have always said to us that school always comes first. I need school to have a good life and sports is important because it teaches you how to be a leader and to work as a team in any situation.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
Practice whenever I have the chance. Go hard in the weightroom all the time. Go 100 in practice all the time.

What is your dream college?
My dream college is Texas university.

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I would say that I could bring a type of leadership that most teams dont have.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
I would say that school always comes first and play every play like its your last

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

NICK MELOSKY- WHITEHALL HIGH SCHOOL

Tell us about yourself?
My name is Nick Melosky. I am a Sophomore this year at Whitehall High School, in PA. Wear #11, play PG-SG. I'm 6'3' and 170 lbs. I am a hard worker and strive to be the best. I play hard and am a leader. Basketball is my passion and will make any team better. In the gym on and off season mostly everyday working hard. Play aau as well around the country and want to play college basketball.

What was your best game?
I would have to say for HS at Liberty, who is a very good team in the state, had 21 points, 6 assis, 6 boards or AAU when we played at Rutger's RAC in a tournament and I went for 25 on 5 3-pointers and got a win against a good Team Final team.

Why are sports/education important to you?
Sports and school are both important to me because they will get me somewhere in my life and help me succeed on my own. I work hard in the classroom to keep my grades up and make high honors. I know that will help me when entering college. I also work hard at basketball because I love it and want to be the best I can be. I want to play on a D1 level so i train very hard to get there.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
I train with my coaches and trainers. Lifting weights, speed training, agility, and strength. I also shoot a lot of shots in the gym with my coach in the off-season to improve my shooting and practice in the gym on and off season a lot to refine my game. You have to put a good effort in to get better.

What is your dream college?
My dream college would be Villanova University or Syracuse University. They both have good programs and in good conference. I like their coaches as well.

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I would say I am a leader and will take control on the court. I keep everyone in check and always want to win. I also work hard to get better and that will rub off on my teammates. I have dedication to a program as well and am an all-around good student athlete.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Work hard and set your goals high. Dont be afraid to have dreams. Will hard work and dedication you can do anything. Push for what you want to do in life and make smart choices. Keep your grades high and plan out your future.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
SoSportz! Good program that helps all student-athletes get to a college level! Check it out!

CAMERON WALTON- COROVA HIGH SCHOOL

Tell us about yourself?
I am a 15 year old student athlete that runs track and cross country. I attend Cordova High School in Memphis, Tennessee. I take my sport and school work very seriously as I focus on being an honor student in class and excelling on the track as well. Besides running, I also love playing football and basketball. This year, I stopped playing football for the school so that I can get better at track.

What was your best race?
My best track race was last year at the Freshman/JV Invitationals at Houston High School. I ran a 2:15 in the 800m and a 4:59 in the 1600m. My best cross country time was a 17:54 at the Jesse Owens Classic in Oakville, Alabama.

Why are sports/education important to you?
An education is the important thing that a person can have, epically to an athlete. There are thousand of amazing athletes out there that won't make it to the collegiate level just because their grades aren't high enough. That's why I make good decisions and do my best both at in school and outside; Every action you make can affect you in a big way.

What can you do to make yourself better in your sport?
It's the extra things that you do that makes you stand out. I work hard on my own out of practice and in the off-season to give me that edge over others that just do what's required. Being mentally tough makes you serious competitor. In my opinion, toughness outweighs skill.

What is your dream college?
As of right now, I have no idea of where I want to go to college. In my Junior year, I will start visiting campuses to find a place that fits me. I'm hoping to get a scholarship, so I will probably go to a school that is most interested in me.

If a College Coach ask you, how can you make our team better, what would you say?
I can make the team better with my leadership. I lead by example and I think I can help others without even saying a word. With good leadership skills, comes good following skills. No matter how good you are, you can always learn something new and improve yourself.

What advice can you give other student-athletes?
Handle your business in the classroom first. Keep your skills sharp and take advantage of every opportunity you get.

Send a shout out to SoSportz:
Big shout out to the SoSportz Team for making this dream possible, and to all the supporters of SoSportz that keep this dream alive!!!