Chris Carter will be looked upon to help carry the Spartan Hoop Squad deep into the playoffs.
by Scott Bruskin
Chris Carter, one of the 'big three.' photo by Kevin Fleming
A casual Spartan hoops fan would believe that Chris Carter at 6’5″ is a big man who loves to play down low. But that’s just not the case with this TJ Junior. “I love to shoot; I love being that offensive threat. However, playing good defense is what is most important. I don’t particularly like playing it, but to have a successful team, you must be good on the defensive side of the ball,” says Carter.
Boys basketball head coach Grant Laman could not agree more with Carter. “Chris has all the tools, great size, as well as a great outside shot,” said Laman.
Chris has always enjoyed the game of basketball, and although he loves playing because it is fun, he also uses basketball as a way to get his name out there, and possibly get a free college education because of his skills. “Basketball has helped me expand my horizons as well as meet new people. It has also helped keep me out of trouble as well as keep me in shape,” said Carter.
Growing up, Carter looked to his dad for inspiration to keep trucking along even when things got difficult. “My dad helped me understand the game. And although he played football as a kid, he still appreciated my choice to play basketball,” he said.
Carter is looking for basketball to carry him into college, and hopes to get an athletic scholarship. “My motivation right now for playing basketball is to get a scholarship. I am more concerned about getting my degree than anything that would involve me playing professionally,” said Carter.
The outlook for this year’s team is good, as the Spartans were ranked #2 in 4A in the state of Colorado. The best part of this particular squad is that all but one of the starting players will be back for next year, so the Spartans will have a lot of room to grow. “I like our chances this year. I think that we are really talented; we have the potential to go deep. I think we have a real chance to win,” said Carter, who is one of the big three juniors along with Billy Sprague and Ray Riley. All three were starters on varsity last year as sophomores. “I think we are more grown up, smarter, bigger, stronger, our skills are more developed, and I just think that we are more mature all around,” Carter stated.
Carter and Sprague have a special connection that many other players do not. “Chris and I have a great relationship on the court, we have played together since 6th grade, so we know where each other are usually going to be on the court,” said Sprague.
Out of all NBA and Collegiate players, Carter’s favorite is Kobe Bryant because of his all around talent, as well as his ability to carry a team by himself. “I love the way Kobe Bryant plays the game. He is the hardest working player on the floor, and in my eyes he is the smartest player around. He gets it done, not just on the offensive end, but on the defensive end as well,” Carter stated.
When it comes to Carter’s game, he believes that he still has a few things that he must develop. “I feel that I need to be more of a team leader this year; I need to be more vocal, and help keep my teammates on the right path,” Carter said. “The quote I live by is ‘None before him, none to come.’ I heard that from an old coach, and it is one of the things that keeps me focused on my ultimate goals,” he said.
The Spartans are a team full of great players with high aspirations; Chris Carter exemplifies the high standards of the team.
