Matt Genaway (Alexander Boys Basketball) – Winter Sports Spotlight

Posted By on Mar 9, 2016 | 0 comments


Photo from last season. Matt is #23

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Wednesday, March 9, 2016 | BataviasBest.org

 

Matt was undoubtedly one of the top three-point shooters in the league this season. Here is his profile:


 

 

Matt Genaway – Alexander High School – Boys Basketball

 

 

AB: You were one of the most dangerous three point shooters in all the GR League this season. What goes into improving as a shooter?

MG: I believe that having an effective shooting form is the key to become a better shooter. As a young kid, I would shoot at lower baskets with smaller basketballs. This allowed me to perfect my shooting form because I wasn’t just heaving shots up. Once I grew, I could transition my stroke right into a 10ft rim with a regulation ball. Once you develop a good form, practice is the only way to get better and better.

AB: Do you believe shooting is the most important skill in basketball? If not, what is.

MG: Shooting is a very important part of the game. A team will not win if they can’t score. That said, basketball isn’t just about scoring. Aspects such as ball movement, rebounding, and defense are critical in winning games. Personally, shooting is the most important contribution I can make to my team, but some of my teammates make contributions to other aspects of the game, which is just as important.

AB: As a shooter, during the game, what was your mentality like?

MG: I knew my role on my team was to make shots. I knew if I had an open look, I had to knock it down. I also had to be aware mentally of time and situation in selection of shots. My coach has given me the green light to shoot, but if it’s not a good shot or I’m not shooting well, I’ll try to get others in offense. Teams do much better when everyone is involved in the offense.

AB: If you were ever off during a game, or in other words having a cold night, what would you do in order to make an impact in other ways?

MG: On the offensive end, moving the ball and making smart decisions. If you look at a really good basketball team, the ball movement is outstanding. When I am not shooting well, moving the ball is the best way to keep things rolling for our team. Playing solid defense is what I try to achieve every game, and that’s the best way to make up for all my missed shots on the other end.

AB: Finally, you also play golf. Seeing the ball go in the cup, has that affected your shooting ability at all? Kind of a weird question but in the end, in both basketball and golf, the goal is to get the ball in the hole.

MG: Of course, no pun intended! For me, golf is a game of going through a process and of repetitions. Before every golf shot, I go through my routine to set myself up for success and hopefully hit it good. This has helped me to achieve an 80% free throw percentage, for that is a routine as well. Repitions in both golf and basketball are essential to become successful. Lastly, on the mental side, golf teaches you to stay in the moment and focus on the task ahead, which really helps in basketball as well.

 

 

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I’m looking forward to seeing what Matt can do on the golf course this season.

 

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Trey Nadolinski (Oakfield Boys Basketball) – Winter Sports Spotlight

 

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