The News-Press selects players who stood out over the past week based on a combination of coaches’ reports and school recommendations sent to sports@news-press.com and our own coverage. These athletes take part in a poll every Monday on news-press.com where readers can vote for the athlete they think did the best job. The winner of “The News-Press Athlete of the Week” voting sponsored by Elevate Home Services will receive a T-shirt provided by BSN Sports and a tote bag provided by USA Today High School Sports Awards. To learn more about the winners, The News-Press will conduct a Q&A session with each athlete.
This week’s News-Press Athlete sponsored by Elevate Home Services from November 18th to 30th was FBIshop Verot basketball player Cameron O’Halloran. Senior received 51% of the vote. O’Halloran earned the nomination after scoring 21, 22 and 29 points in the Vikings’ three wins.
Previous winners: News Press Athlete of the Week for Nov. 11-16: Fort Myers cross country runner Masha Dorofeev
Question: Why did you start playing basketball?
O’Halloran: My mom played all the way through high school, so she got me into it at first. She has always been an inspiration to me.
What are your team and personal goals for this season?
O’Halloran: Our team’s goal is another district championship – our third in a row. My personal goal is to get just 1% better every day, 1% better than last season, and improve every day.
What are your long-term goals in playing basketball and in college?
O’Halloran: Obviously, you want to go as far as you can in high school. I haven’t really thought about college yet, but of course it would be great to play at the next level.
Do you have any superstitions or rituals that you like to do to prepare for a match?
O’Halloran: We always pray together as a team before games, and on game day we watch a lot of film. Think about something positive on the court, like getting a shot.
Is there any uplifting music you listen to to get ready?
O’Halloran: Boston sings “More Than a Feeling” before every game. … why? I don’t know. I heard it on the radio one day. I was like, “This is my song.”
What wisdom would you give to young athletes starting their high school careers?
O’Halloran: Don’t take anything for granted and work hard every day. Because that time will never come back.
