Jack Keller started playing basketball when he was 7 years old and is now a senior captain on the varsity basketball team (15-2 overall, 4-1 in district).

“I played other sports before I started playing basketball, but I started playing with the kids in my neighborhood,” Keller said. “I took my own path because my dad and my brother didn’t play.”

Keller said he believes he was voted captain because of his leadership skills, the trust his teammates have in him, his determination, and hard work. The captain honor is voted on by the players and is a sign of respect. Votes from the coaches count too. It meant a lot to Keller to be voted by not only his teammates but his best friends.

“This year’s team is more committed, everyone is buying into our main goal – to win districts and have a memorable run in the playoffs,” Keller said. “The team has not been to the playoffs or won districts in a long time and we think we can be the team to do it.”

Kobe Bryant is his favorite player because of Kobe’s hard work, dedication and because no seemed to outwork him. Keller tries to add extra intensity as soon as the game tips off.

“Being intense or flipping that switch in a game might give others the wrong assumption about me off the court,” Keller said. “I’m actually a nice person but in the game that might give others a different opinion.”

Keller’s favorite memory on the team was his first home varsity game last year. They were losing until the second quarter, when they made a great comeback and won the game. Keller played better than he expected.

“That game kind of built an identity for the team,” Keller said.