Player Spotlight: Michael Martinez

Michael Martinez has been one of the most identifiable faces of Hoops The Right Way for years. Upon his graduation from Broad Run High School this past June, he made the decision to attend Georgetown University. Michael plans on studying business but is undecided on whether he wants to study business administration or international business. He is passionate about reading, watching TV and spending time with friends and family.

HTRW: Michael, what are your academic accomplishments to date, and your favorite aspects of school?

Michael: My favorite aspect of school is the ability to learn new things everyday and challenging myself to think for myself. I graduated with a class ranking of 24/441 (top 6%) and was on the AB honor roll every quarter. I earned over $200k in merit scholarship money from different colleges that recruited me for baseball. I turned down almost all of them except for a $2,500 scholarship from the Broad Run Athletic Booster Club. I also earned the College Board AP Scholar Award and the National Scholar/Athlete Award presented by the United States Army Reserve.

HTRW: This is absolutely astounding. You not only pushed yourself on the basketball court but went above and beyond in the classroom. People like you are few and far between so keep up the great work because doors of opportunity will start swinging open for you. 

HTRW:  What are your basketball accomplishments to date, and your favorite aspects of basketball?

Michael: I was a two-year varsity letter winner and part of the 2014 Broad Run High School Basketball District Tournament Championship Team. As for on the court, I love to shoot. However, I would have to say my favorite aspect is that basketball resembles life in a few ways and it has taught me many lessons that I plan to take with me to college.

HTRW: The article written by the Loudoun Times describes your shooting ability perfectly. “Michael Martinez has deadly accuracy from beyond the arc.” I couldn’t agree more. http://www.loudountimes.com/index.php/sports/article/spartan_hoops_making_their_mark952 

HTRW: What drives you on a personal and athletic level?

Michael: For a long time the negativity of others and proving other people wrong has driven me in almost every aspect of life and sports, including basketball. I always wanted to prove to myself and others that I was capable of getting the job done and doing it well. I have an inner passion and drive to be the best so I could never imagine giving up or quitting.

HTRW: Your drive to succeed was very apparent during games and every time you came to training. You were by far one of our most competitive athletes. It's safe to say that you rank in the top 6% in the classroom and on the court for competitiveness.    

HTRW: What are your basketball goals and non-basketball related goals?

Michael: My basketball goals now are just to have fun being the best player I can be. I am more focused on my college education now and maximizing those opportunities. I think that going to Georgetown University will be a great learning experience for me and I want to make sure I go to class focused on the task at hand each and everyday.

HTRW: That is a great outlook to have. College takes a different level of focus and drive which you clearly have!

HTRW: What is an interesting fact about yourself that most people would not know?

Michael: I was recruited by multiple D3 schools (between 7-10) to play baseball. I also had an article written about me in Gameday Magazine:
http://mvp.gamedaymagazine.com/rumor_mill/2014/04/martinez-no-hitter-spartans-win-two-in-tourney.php

HTRW: An outstanding two sport athlete with college recruitment offers to show for it and an unbelievable student... That is extremely commendable. 

HTRW: What is your funniest Coach K moment?

Michael: My funniest Coach K moments are mimicking the things he says in good nature. He has a few things he says a lot like "instant pudding" or "square up shoot ya shot" (in Coach K's accent), etc. Also his laugh where he wiggles his knees and nearly pushes someone over while laughing.

HTRW: I only had to listen to half of your response to know exactly what you are talking about! Coach K is by far one of the greatest coaches to learn from and play for. Make sure you bring his fun loving and hardworking nature to any court you play on and any classroom you step into. Best of luck to you this year in college and make sure you keep us updated on everything!

HTRW Player Spotlight: Justin Hart

  
Who is Justin Hart?
HTRW: Justin Hart is an 18 year old senior at Broad Run High school. He is involved in many school activities and actively displays his school spirit on a regular basis. Check out the picture!  



What are your academic accomplishments to date and your favorite aspect of school? 
Justin: I have been on the AB honor roll throughout my entire high school career and will be attending James Madison University (JMU) in the fall. My favorite aspect of school is seeing all of my friends on a daily basis especially with the huge life changes that are about to happen.

HTRW: JMU is a great school! With your physical basketball ability along with your basketball knowledge you should really try to walk on or make the club team. Both are great programs that will help you grow as a player and a person. 

  

What is an interesting fact about yourself that most people would not know? 
Justin: Everyone usually likes steak but for some reason I actually don't like steak.

HTRW: Don't even worry about it! You have just made your parents a bit happier and their pockets a bit heavier by that response. 
 


What is your greatest basketball accomplishment and favorite part about the game?
Justin: I was the captain of the Broad Run High School boys varsity basketball team. This year we made it to the regional finals through a great deal of hard work, dedication and will. My favorite aspect of basketball is definitely passing. I love seeing channels on the court that my teammates may not see. It can also be a high risk high reward situation which really adds to the excitement.

HTRW: Being able to see potential cuts that players may make and passing to the spot takes a ton of skill. That is truly what separates the good from the great in this game. If you ever watch Chris Paul play, he plays with a great deal of what I like to call "predictive movement." He makes a move or a pass before his teammates takes a cut which leads to easy baskets and the crowd going wild!

  

What drives you? 
Justin: What drives me is to be better than the person next to me. I have no doubt in my mind that I will work harder than anyone else or I will pass out trying.

HTRW: Very deep! I watched a YouTube video on Will Smith a few weeks ago and the interviewer asked what made him great. He responded, "I am willing to die on a treadmill." Will Smith went on to explain that even if he is doing a simple task, he feels in competition with himself and others. He was eluding to dying before he gives up trying. Your statement is extremely powerful and it is something that I hope will benefit others from reading.



What are your basketball goals and non-basketball related goals? 
Justin: I would love to coach high school basketball as a start. After I get my foot in the door I hope coaching opportunities at higher levels open up. However, my first priority is to finish college!

HTRW: Yes, finish college first because trust me it will make your parents very happy. Keep pushing in the direction of your dreams and doors will open up that you cannot see at this moment. You are just scratching the surface! 

HTRW Player Spotlight: Adam Thomas

Who is Adam Thomas?
HTRW: Adam Thomas is an 11 year old 6th grader at County Christian School. He is an exceptional basketball player and student who exemplifies what it is to be a HTRW student athlete. Adam loves playing basketball and watching TV as most middle school students do. Adam is also very good with professional and college basketball stats and player information. Maybe in a few years he will have younger kids remembering his stats!


What are your hobbies outside of basketball?
Adam: I have been involved in Tae Kwon Do since the age of five and have achieved the level of Black Belt. I assist instructors with new student training as well. My favorite subjects are math and art.

HTRW: Wow, this is not only a testament to your physical skills but leadership abilities. Both basketball and Tae Kwon Do have a need for a significant level of quick calculation and fluid movement. Keep up the great work leading new students in Tae Kwon Do because it will pay dividends in the future!


When did your love of basketball begin?
Adam: My love for basketball began at age five at the YMCA. I played in the Upward Program through age nine and had an awesome opportunity to meet Coach K. This year my middle school basketball team won the championship for the first time in school history. I really enjoy watching basketball because I get mesmerized by some of the moves players make. I can get lost in watching a game for hours.

HTRW: Few people have the great opportunity to meet Coach K and we are thankful that you were given that opportunity. We know it inspired you and it shows by how hard you work day in and day out.

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

Adam: I have a really nice voice and I love to eat!

HTRW: Keep singing and keep eating. But save some for the rest of us!

What are your future goals?
Adam: My future goal is to play college basketball at The University of North Carolina (UNC) and ultimately get drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers. I also dream of transitioning to an "On the Air Analyst" and coach thereafter.

HTRW: When you play for UNC I will make sure I have you all going all the way in the NCAA tournament. Adam it has been a pleasure interviewing you, best of luck with what you are doing now and all of your future endeavors. Keep up the great work!