By Lisa Stukel, Contributing Writer
Team: Hudson High School Varsity basketball (senior point guard), soccer and baseball.
Stats: Team 7-7 for the season, Ryerson has scored 8 points in three different games against Maynard, Clinton and Tyngsboro. Best game, 3-steals, 4 offensive rebounds, and 3 defensive rebounds.
Head Coach: Michael Mercuri
Ryerson, how are you doing so far this season?
“So far, I have been starting all season. I wasn's expecting to, but we had some players drop out, so it opened up some opportunities. I seized the opportunities to get more playing time and to play different positions. I have been able to cover our opponents” toughest players and have done well so far this season.”
When did you start playing basketball?
“I started playing basketball when I was 5 years old. My dad started a basketball rec league in Berlin and I started playing with the older kids. When I got older, I was able to play in the rec league with them. I started playing competitively when I was in fifth grade, and have been playing ever since.”
Who has been your biggest influence in basketball?
“I would have to say both my mom and my dad have been most influential. My dad has coached me and taught me my skills when I was young. He has been supportive throughout my entire career. My mom is athletic and coaches soccer. They have both been a big part of my life.”
What has been your most memorable moment in sports?
“Actually, it was when I was playing football in sixth grade. I played football for Clinton and our team went to Arizona and we won the National Championship. It was huge, especially for a sixth-grader. I was a running back and a kicker back then, but stopped playing football in ninth grade.”
What are your goals for this season?
“Our biggest goal is to make it into the Clarke tournament and it is coming up soon. I would like to continue to make things happen on the court and do well. We need to win our next two games in order for us to qualify. If we have a winning record at the end of the season, then we win districts.”
How do you manage sports and academics?
“I feel like sports makes it easier to stay organized with my work. I get my work done so I can play. I have seen many athletes who do not do well in school and they are not able to participate in sports. It hasn's happened to me, but I have seen it with other athletes.”
Do you have any advice for younger, student athletes?
“I would say, to make sure you get your work done, that way you will be able to participate in sports. Academics definitely come first. Work hard, and have fun.”
What are your plans for next year?
“I plan to go to a D2 college. I don's know if I will play sports in college, but definitely intramural.”
