Player Spotlight: Austin Downing

By Braeden Manley

Q:What is your greatest experience while being a part of this team?

A:“I like the way we’ve come together lately after being without some guys earlier in the season.  In the beginning we didn’t have everyone at practice.  Lately, we’ve had everyone back at practice and healthy and that’s really helped.”

Q:What would you say played the biggest part in your trip to State last year?

A:”The biggest factor was definitely Andrew’s leadership.  He was always on us and motivating us to get better.  Whether it was watching film or at practice, he made sure that everyone was at their best.”

Q:Who would you say pushes you to work the hardest in practice?

A:”Coach Deterding always pushes me at practice.  Some days I’m going through the motions, and he always finds a way to get me to step it up.”

Q:If you could relive any game in your entire career (other than the State title game), which game would it be?

A:The game we played at Ottawa last year would be the one I would relive.  It seemed like Andrew and Mitchell didn’t miss the entire game.  It was just a great atmosphere, and was really fun.”

Q:How long have you been playing basketball and what made you want to continue playing after you started?

A:”I’ve been playing since 3rd grade. A lot of my family members played college basketball.  I was always in the gym with them, and they’ve always encouraged me.”