Freshman Jake Gagie has a unique way that he prepares for his game: he uses music and food to get in the zone.

“I have to have a nice pre-game meal, usually a Jimmy John’s sub, and I usually sit back and chat with people while listening to music,” said Gagie.

Gagie started the basketball season with a tough first game against Grand Rapids Union. After that game, he had something to prove to himself.

“I bounced back and scored 14 points on four three-pointers the next game,” Gagie said.

After that, Gagie had a very successful season, with a few 20-point games. Throughout the season, he led his team with the three-pointers he scored. 

“I have had a few great games this season, but the one that sticks out is Portage Northern,” said Gagie. “It was my mom’s birthday, and I felt I had to give her a nice 23-point performance, with the first 15 points being in the first three minutes.”

Even after those great games, Gagie constantly tries to improve his playing.

“I’m watching a lot more basketball and working hard throughout the season,” said Gagie.

Sophomore Tamar Stuart also prepares for his games using music, but in his own unique way.

“I like to listen to music to hype myself up and get stretched out by the trainer,” said Stuart. 

Stuart has had a few great games this year, but, like Gagie, his best game was against Portage Northern, where they fought hard and won by a score of 77-67.

“Against Portage Northern, we were down by a lot. I had to try my hardest to climb back into this game,” said Stuart. 

Stuart has struggled, but he continually trains in preparation for the game. To improve, Stuart likes to put extra work in to improve his game and gets tips from his coach.

“I like to do extra workouts and ask my coach to see what I need to improve or what to work on,” said Stuart.

As a team, the Norrix varsity men’s basketball has also worked together to improve.

“We had to bounce back from adversity because people doubted us, and now we are in the running for a district championship,” Stuart said, proving that putting in extra time and training can go a long way in helping both athletes and teams improve themselves.