Racing across the court, the sound of squeaking shoes ringing in his ears, freshman Joshua Baskin focuses on the ball as his teammates prepare to shoot.
Baskin started playing basketball at five years old. However, basketball was not his first choice of extracurricular activity.
“As a kid, all I wanted to do was play football,” Baskin said. “In middle school, my mom finally allowed me to play and I realized football wasn’t my sport, it was basketball.”
This year, Baskin was the only freshman chosen to be on varsity. Being selected for varsity has provided Baskin with the chance to grow his skills as an athlete and leader. Varsity basketball coach Trey Lindsey attests to Baskin’s willingness to improve.
“We don’t offer freshman spots often on varsity,” Lindsey said. “Joshua is different, he’s been a great teammate and is very coach-able.”
Being the only freshman on varsity is hard, but Baskin focuses on his individual progress.
“I know and trust my ability to produce on the court,” Baskin said. “I have helpful teammates that are always there for me even when I’m struggling. Their leadership helps relieve the pressure.”
The team has rallied behind the freshman, offering guidance whenever needed to Baskin.
Due to the stress of playing on varsity as a freshman, the team has placed an emphasis on supporting Baskin throughout his rookie season thus far.
“The only thing I say to the team about Joshua is put your arm around him,” Lindsey said. “He’s going to have tough days because that’s just what happens when you’re a freshman on varsity. The good news is that we have a good group of seniors that are great kids and our captains have been such outstanding leaders.”
The captains of the basketball team this year have played a pivotal role in providing guidance and support to Baskin throughout this season. Baskin expresses appreciation to senior Mason Wasserburger and senior Braeden Spinden for their assistance.
“Mason and Braeden have been good mentors to me,” Baskin said. “They understand that I’m younger and I’ll make mistakes. They help me become a better leader and teammate, even when it gets hard.”
Wasserburger believes Baskin has been able to impress and earn the respect of the older players on the team.
“He’s the most mature 14-year-old I’ve been around,” Wasserburger said. “A lot of freshmen in his position would be scared, but he’s done a really good job of keeping his cool.”
Baskin credits his success in basketball so far to his support system. His sister, junior varsity volleyball player Simone Baskin has witnessed his growth.
“In middle school when I used to play basketball, I would always practice with him,” Simone said. “I would win most of the time because I always locked Joshua down on defense.”
Simone has seen a positive change in Joshua’s attitude and demeanor ever since he joined Bowie’s basketball program.
“Since joining basketball this year, he’s become more of a leader and more confident in himself,” Simone said. “Joshua is sometimes quiet around people, but he’s starting to get out of his shell.”
Joshua has been an impressive player this season, and his ability to come off the bench and assist his teammates on the court has played a vital role in the team’s success this year.
“Joshua is already physically more advanced than some of the other freshmen,” Lindsey said. “Overall, we’re pumped about Joshua, and we think he’s a terrific player.”
Even though Joshua is a young member of the team, he has big goals for the ‘Dawgs before their season ends.
“This season, my goal is to help the team make it to the playoffs, since we didn’t make it last year,” Joshua said. “I’m trying to fill my role and help the team, in order to give the seniors a memorable last season.”
