T.A. – It’s what his teammates call him. Also known as Tyler Anderson, this man has been a big part of the Lakes Basketball organization since grade 9. Anderson is excited to be entering his senior season as a high school hooper, and is ambitious to see what the season has to bring.
Anderson has been playing basketball since fourth grade, and just like every other athlete, he loves to win, play great, and have fun. Anderson explains how his favorite part about playing is “when we all are just doing great and we play as a team and things are going well for us.” Anderson plays Forward, and has been putting up good, consistent points throughout the season so far.
Boys varsity basketball coach, Chris Snyder, enjoys coaching Anderson, and he is grateful to have him as a member of the team. “He comes ready to work everyday and is very coachable,” Snyder says. One of the big standards in the Lakes Basketball organization is dedication. Every player and every coach is expected to give 100% of their effort, 100% of the time. Anderson is a player who has above and beyond effort, and very clearly shows it.
Defense in basketball is very challenging. There is a lot to keep track of and you always have to be on your toes, ready to react to anything. A big part to good defense however, is pure effort. “My greatest strength is probably my defense,” showing how much effort and dedication he puts into basketball. Snyder backs up his efforts by saying, “Tyler has become a great defender for us. He is always willing to guard the top player on the other team.” Snyder elaborates more on his efforts. “Tyler leads by his actions. He works hard through every drill and his teammates can see that. He is a no nonsense guy in that he does what we ask of him and sets a great example for the lower levels.”
With strengths, there comes weaknesses. “My greatest weakness is confidence,” he says. “Everyone struggles with confidence at some point.” Confidence isn’t a major effect on Anderson’s game, it’s just something that he can struggle with from time to time. Anderson doesn’t get shaken up by student sections either. Actually, “the opposing student section I think is pretty funny,” Anderson says. Doesn’t get him nervous, doesn’t really have an impact on him. Just the court, and himself.
Anderson, Snyder, and the rest of the basketball squad, are all very excited for the season that has just been kicked off with big wins against Vernon Hills, Round Lake, Antioch, and more. Anderson is a great fit to the starting lineup. “He works on his game and has turned himself into a 2-year starter for us,” Snyder says. Anderson steps on the court every practice to get better and work hard, and he steps on the court every game with a strong ambition to win.