Senior basketball athletes look toward season end, future opportunities

Seniors Ethan Alkoby, Chris Stone and Zach Sherin are in their last season playing basketball for Oak Park High School.

“It’s bittersweet, because I’m excited to move on to college and new opportunities, but I’m going to miss playing for Oak Park so much,” Sherin, a guard, wrote to the Talon. “It’s been a great four years in the program and all my teammates and coaches have made it such a unique and valuable experience [for me].”

Senior Zach Sherin shoots the basketball during a team practice. He is one of three seniors on the team this year. (Meghana Mudunuri/Talon)

Sherin said the program has made a lasting impact on his life.

“I wouldn’t have the same determination and never-say-die attitude that I do today without the influence of my coaches and teammates,” Sherin wrote.

Similarly, guard Alkoby believes that the program has had a major influence on the person he is today.

“The basketball program, being the family that it is, has probably had the biggest impact on my character and my integrity, because being a senior you have so many young guys that look up to you and learn from you, and you always have to be someone that they can depend on both on the court and as a person,” Alkoby said.

As seniors, the three are required to take a more active role in mentoring the younger players.

The basketball program, being the family that it is, has probably had the biggest impact on my character and my integrity, because being a senior you have so many young guys that look up to you and learn from you, and you always have to be someone that they can depend on both on the court and as a person.

— Ethan Alkoby

“We have to put in much more effort in whatever we do, whether it be leadership or teaching the younger guys how to do a drill or just being someone that people can go to talk to,” Alkoby said.

In addition to the seniors, the returning juniors also assist in leading the team.

“We have a few [returning juniors] that act like seniors and help lead the team,” Stone, who is also a guard, wrote to the Talon.

With the help of both the juniors and seniors, the team was able to win several games. Stone and Alkoby said they agree that winning CIF was the highlight of their basketball careers.

“Everything you work for is that championship. Winning it not only brings a team together and bonds them over an everlasting memory and banner, but it also validates all of the hard work you put in every single day,” Alkoby said.

Alkoby said that he and the other two seniors are content with their time spent on the team.

“Looking back, I don’t have any regrets doing this. Some of my best memories of high school are from this team and from this program,” Alkoby said. “These guys have become like a second family to me and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”