Cochrane’s rising basketball talent, Max White, plans to keep making his mark in the world of basketball after winning top spot in his division at the Calgary Regional Basketball Free Throw Playoff that took place on Mar. 22.
Max, a 10-year-old budding athlete, explained that he simply loves playing basketball because it is a fun sport.
“I think it’s fun to play with others, and it’s just fun to feel competitive and play against other good and competitive players,” he said.
Currently, Max plays point guard for the Eagles Basketball Academy. Looking to the future, he is aiming for a spot on the Manachaban Warriors, followed by a successful high school run with the Cochrane High School Cobras.
He sees himself playing in the NBA, adding that he is inspired by legends like Micheal Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Lebron James.
“I want to play for the Chicago Bulls or the Los Angeles Lakers,” Max said.
Max’s mother, Dasha, said that she is proud to watch her son succeed in his athletic endeavours. She adds that this is reflected in his commitment to his training regiment.
“It’s very good to see my 10-year-old boy so passionate about it,” Dasha said. “He’s waking up at 5:30 a.m., and we’re going to Spray Lakes, practicing drills, and it’s starting to pay off.”
Dasha explained that the competition hosted several athletes of varying ages from the greater Calgary area.
“It was regional, so people from Calgary, Airdrie, Strathmore, Okotoks, and Cochrane,” she said. “Lots of different kids from different age groups in this championship.”
Following his success at the regional competition, Max said he would like to thank his dad and coaches for helping him perfect his craft.
“I would like to thank my dad for helping me get better and better every day, [by] putting the discipline to wake up every morning and practice with him,” Max said. “And I would like to thank my other coaches for helping me to get better at shooting, dribbling, and all that other stuff.
“I would even like to thank my family for making that happen. Fun fact, we actually moved closer to the sports centre so I could get better.”
Other Cochrane athletes also did well at the event. Isaiah Vonesch, pictured on the left, sunk an incredible 23/25 free throw shots, and Cadel Dutta in the middle of the photo, made an impressive 24/25 shots.
