Athletes do more than just show up on game days and compete. There is a lot of time and effort that goes into them continually getting better. Josh McEntire plays basketball for Cleveland High School and he says that preparation is the key to being successful.

“It takes a lot of hard work in order to be the best you can be,” he said. “And it is more than just practice. You have to put in extra practice whenever you can and work hard in the weight room too.”

Josh, who is a senior, plays shooting guard and small forward for the Tigers basketball team. He says that his coaches and teammates have played a big role in his development as a basketball player and a person.

“My coaches always push me to get better on the court,” he said. “But they are also great role models off the court too. Dylan Baker is a teammate that I enjoy practicing against because he makes me work hard and I know that is going to help me be a better player. Away from basketball, my eighth-grade history teacher had a big impact on my life. He always supported me and was a great teacher.”

The Tigers’ boy’s basketball coach, Daniel Brimmer, says that McEntire is a talented athlete that could play at the next level.

“Josh is a great kid,” Brimmer said. “He is six-foot-five and can shoot and rebound the ball very well. He has the ability to play college basketball after high school. He is probably the most talented kid i have coached in my 15 years at Cleveland.”

During his playing time, Josh and his teammates have faced a lot of teams. While they gave each of them their best shots, there are some schools that stand out.

“The highlight moment of my career would have to be when I hit the game- winning shot against Metro Christian,” he recalled. “It was great to watch the ball go in and to know that I did my part to help the team. The team I enjoy beating the most is Mannford. I just do not like purple.”