Messmer High Freshman Jonathan Carson was recently invited to try out for the USA Basketball team. Jonathan was one of only a few freshmen, and the only player from Messmer High School to participate in this wonderful opportunity. He traveled to Colorado Springs, Colorado this October for the try-out. During the 4 day camp his stay consisted of going to the Olympic Training Center every morning to train, stretch, and do some conditioning. Jonathan was one of 35 players from all parts of the country working for the same goal.
Jonathan has been influenced by Lebron James of the Miami Heat and says, “Lebron inspires me because he’s a role model. He loves his job and doesn’t let people control him.” That’s a good person to look up to if you are trying to go into the same career. When asked if he felt he had a chance to make the USA team, Jonathan replied, “Yes, I worked my hardest and gave them all I had.” He will find out in April if he made the next cut. But in this case, considering there were only 35 students from the entire country invited to try out, it is truly an honor just to be nominated.
Jonathan, a graduate of St. Rose and St. Leo Catholic School where he was valedictorian, will be playing for Messmer High this season, and is looking forward to it, “I’m overly excited because this is my first year of high school and I’m ready to show people what I can do as a freshman. During this [USA Team] experience I learned how to be a better leader on and off the court and how to be a talker on the court.” We’re rooting for you, Jonathan—you do Messmer proud!
