With football season winding down and basketball season ramping up, Brant Strader, a sophomore guard for the Fairview Yellowjackets, said he’s ready for what he called the thrill of competition. 

“I’ve played my whole life,” Strader said. “My dad and my best friend’s dad got us started in first grade. I love the thrill of competition, the hard work of a long practice, and the challenge of each game being an opportunity to better ourselves.” 

Since this is Strader’s second foray into high school ball, one would expect nerves to be a factor in his play. However, he said he’s embraced the role. 

“It’s intimidating at times, but I like being the small guy on the court,” he said. “My coaches and teammates help me out by encouraging me on the court and off. We went to the second round of the area tournament last year, and it would be awesome to make it to state this year. Personally, I’m trying to improve my shooting percentage and improve my defensive game as well.” 

Strader said a game day starts early for him. 

“I’m up at 5:45,” he said. “Workouts start at 6:20. Then I shower and grab breakfast before school starts. On game days I try to eat lunch with some of my teammates, then finish the day with a shoot around and walk through with our coaches. As game time gets closer, we get dressed and listen to music that gets us hyped and focused.” 

In his free time, Strader said he enjoys hunting and fishing, but when the sun goes down, he can usually be found in the gym. He said one of the keys to his success was being blessed with great coaches. 

“Coach Nelson helps keep me healthy and pushes me every day,” he said. “Coach Doane and Coach Collins have taught me to love the game of basketball and believe in myself. My dad was my first coach and he’ll always be the first one I go to in a slump. He never turns me down when I ask him to take me to the gym. He never gives up on me, and he pushes me every single day as an athlete and as a man.”