Getting asked to play Varsity as a freshman is an honor that does not happen very often. So when it does, it is important to congratulate that player for their hard work and dedication they have shown to the team. A few weeks ago, freshman Jackson Lovato was asked to play as a Varsity swing for the remainder of the basketball season. In his first game with the varsity team, he rose to the occasion shooting two three-point shots within minutes of getting in the game. Mr. Tigner, one of the Varsity coaches, says that, “He showed fearlessness. The moment wasn’t too big for him when he stepped on the court. He hit two big threes and wasn’t fazed by the speed of the game or the size of the players.” This proved to the coaches that Lovato was ready for the Varsity level.

When Jackson was first offered to play with the Varsity team, he mentioned that “I was nervous because it was a big step-up from JV. But at the same time I was really excited because getting to play Varsity as a freshman is a big accomplishment.” Adjusting to a new team is always hard, especially if you are the only freshman, but Jackson seemed to fit right in with the rest of the boys and prove that he could play at the Varsity level. Talking to Isaac, Giovanny, and Jamison, some of the seniors from the team, Isaac said that “Welcoming a new member to a team that already has a close bond is hard, but he adjusted really well and was able to fit in even though he was the only freshman,”

“Yeah, we really like him,” added Jamison,

“He’s a great teammate,” Gio said. This shows the way that Jackson was able to jump right in with the team and make new friendships.

So what distinguishes him amongst the other players? What made the coaches choose to take him? Coach Tigner says, “He’s a solid ball handler and a great three-point shooter. I’d argue that he’s one of the better three-point shooters in the program at any level. He proved that in the first game he came in and hit those two threes.” Lovato himself mentioned that he believes the coaches moved him up because of his hard work in every practice, his performance in the JV games, and his respect toward his coaches and teammates. The teammates as well have said that he contributes a good attitude to the team, “When I get subbed out he’s always there to give me a high five. That’s a great characteristic for real,” Jamison says. Gio added, “Right when we come to the bench he always has the waters ready for us.”

By the time he is a senior, four years from now, Jackson has the potential to be a really great, All-League player. Coach Tigner says that this year is the perfect opportunity for him to get a little bit of court time to get used to the level of play, then the become a reliable shooter and player over the next three years. His teammates say “With more confidence, we think he will become a really great player by the time he is a senior.”