After taking some time to build up team chemistry, the Strawberry Crest Chargers boys team is tied for second place in the district race. Leading the way is senior guard Isaiah Channer, who’s averaging 12 points, 6.4 rebounds and assists, and 3.6 steals per game.
What’s been the key to getting past the slow start?
Coming into this year, we didn’t really expect anything. Coach (Andre Lewis) got on us, told us we need to work hard and everything, so we’ve been trying to work harder. We lost all five starters from last year.
Working with a whole new starting five must have been a challenge. How did you guys get more comfortable playing with each other?
Outside of school, we started hanging out with each other and building relationships. A lot of us never talked to each other last year. We’ve become better friends. We’ve become like a family now.
Your brother, Malik, graduated, and now you’ve taken over his role on the team. What has it been like filling his shoes?
It’s not that big of shoes to fill. I feel like I’m better than him.
How so?
I’m faster, more athletic, and I’ve got a better jump shot.
He’ll probably shake his head if he sees that.
I talk trash to him every time we see each other. I win in one-on-one all the time.
Any college prospects right now?
Not right now. If I could go anywhere, I’d want to go to Coastal Carolina University.
You guys have districts coming up soon. What are you looking forward to?
We’ve got a big game Friday, against Brandon. We win that, we become second in the district. We’re looking forward to getting back to the district championship. No one expects us to get back there, but we’re trying to get back there.
You all sound like you really want to prove people wrong.
Yeah. In the previews, they didn’t list us last year, and we won districts. This year, they didn’t list us again, so we’re trying to do the same thing. We just haven’t beaten East Bay yet, but we’ll get them.
What else do you play?
I play volleyball. I’ve been playing since freshman year.
What are some of your hobbies?
Playing video games. I play NBA 2K15. My team is the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Is that your favorite team in real life?
I like the Milwaukee Bucks.
If you could play basketball for any NBA team, who would it be?
Probably the Orlando Magic. I’d just like to stay home.
What is the coolest thing you’ve ever done on a basketball court?
The triple-double I had this year (Dec. 9, vs. Durant – 13 pts., 10 reb., 10 ast.).
If you could try any sport you’ve never played before, what would it be?
Football. I would play wide receiver.
Who’s your favorite athlete of all time?
Usain Bolt. My dad’s Jamaican, and everything in our house is Jamaican. We idolize Usain Bolt.
