Contributed photo Jake Hoffman led Gresham to a 53-50 victory over NEW Lutheran during the Sundrop Shootout on Wednesday. The freshman scored a team-high 13 points during the game.
Athlete: Jake Hoffman
Sport: Basketball
Position: Guard
School: Gresham Community School
Year: Freshman
Just a freshman, Jake Hoffman led the Wildcats to victory with a team-high 13 points to top NEW Lutheran 53-50 on Wednesday at the Sundrop Shootout at the Kress Center in Green Bay. Hoffman averages 6.3 points and nearly four rebounds per game.
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Q Where did your interest in playing basketball begin?
A It began with my brother, James. He got me into basketball. He never took it easy on me and always pushed me to my limits. Without my brother, I wouldn’t be playing basketball.
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Q What have you done in the offseason to establish yourself as a varsity player?
A I’ve been practicing with my brother, trying to go to every open gym, and to learn from my mistakes to get better as a player.
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Q What’s your favorite part about playing the game?
A To play with my teammates, and to appreciate how hard everyone works on the court.
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Q What do you think contributes to you being a strong player as a freshman on the team?
A For my hard work, and the love I have for the game.
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Q What’s your goal for your first season, both personal and for the team?
A My goal is to get us to state, both personally and for the team. This is going to be the hardest challenge this year but if we keep playing as a team, and put in the hard work, we will have a good chance.
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Q What is your favorite memory of playing Gresham basketball?
A The sportsmanship is the best in Gresham, but I don’t have a favorite memory. All the memories I have here are the best.
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Q What athlete do you look up to and why?
A I look up to Michael Jordan because he’s independent when it comes to basketball. He also has the dedication for basketball.
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Q Do you have any pregame rituals?
A We go in a huddle, and start talking about the game. Then we put our hands together and say “1, 2, 3, team!”
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Q Who is your favorite sports team, and why?
A My favorite team is the Golden State Warriors, because I love the ball movement and the pace throughout the game.
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Q Do you have a favorite quote or verse?
A “I can accept failure; everyone fails at something, but I can’t accept not trying. Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.” — Michael Jordan