Photo submitted by athlete
| BataviasBest.org
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Having had the pleasure to watch Rodney during both his HS season at Wheatland, as well as on the AAU circuit over the past few years, I have truly come to appreciate his ability to lead by example. Whereas playing on the same HS team as two of your brothers must be a rocky situation at times, Rodney seems to be the calming voice for the trio and has done a nice job leading the other members of his team as well. Not only has he done so using his fantastic ability and knack for scoring the basketball, but he also displays leadership through his ventures as a volunteer off the court. All in all, Rodney has been exciting to watch and is one of the most unique athletes that I have communicated with since we began Batavia’s Best. He undoubtedly has great things awaiting him in the future. Here is his profile:
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#22 Rodney Roberts – Guard/Forward – Wheatland-Chili Boys Basketball
Photo submitted by athlete
Height: 6’0″
Class: Senior
Favorite thing about high school sports: “My favorite thing about high-school sports is the fact that you bond with a group of people, and meet other people from other schools. Going out every night and play the sport you love to play.”
Most memorable moments of high school sports career: “My memorable moments are scoring my 1000th point, becoming the all time points leader, going to the sectional final (at the Blue Cross), My little brother Traveon 26 point game and Tyler hitting the game winner @ ND. Just enjoying my teammates every year.”
Future plans after high school: “I know that I’m going to play college ball I just don’t know what school yet, but I’m going to major in Psychology and minor in business. Eventually become a school counselor or a life coach.”
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AB: Who inspired you to better yourself as an athlete growing up?
RR: Honestly starting out my father was the one who put the ball in my hands and inspired me (he played college ball at Roberts Wesleyan). Then later on my AAU coach Kevin Legrett (played at McQuaid) and Eric Schmidt (played on Greece Athena State Championship team) w/ my other AAU coach John Wallace, and obviously my two Varsity coaches Chris Caruso and Scott Lund and there are many others but the list is too long. NBA-wise I watched Dwyane Wade and try to steal little things he does and put into my style of play.
AB: What would you say has been the most difficult challenge for you throughout your journey as a HS athlete?
RR: I’d say winning a Sectional Title. Truth be told, it’s not easy to do, but I’ll take every step to try and win one. Other than that everything has been pretty solid.
AB: What have the relationships you have built along the way meant to you and your progression as an individual?
RR: Just overall meeting other players, parents, coaches, fans… Pretty much everyone I’ve met means the most to me. I have enjoyed meeting new people throughout my career. Its helped me progress tremendously because with people coming to watch and expect me to play well. It keeps me on my A-game.
AB: What steps have you taken, and what is your daily routine in order to improve yourself as an athlete?
RR: Sleep well, work hard everyday in the classroom and on the floor and prayer and devoting my time to Jesus and thanking him every chance I get for letting me play this game. Also spending countless hours in the gym and weight room to maintain and increase my level of play. Waking up 6-8 am and playing ball all day until my knee’s hurt.
AB: Finally, what do you aspire to accomplish as an athlete?
RR: I want to inspire people, I want people to look at me and say, ‘He worked hard and great things happened. So why can’t I do the same but do it better?’ I want to leave a good name for good reasons. I want to leave my mark for the greater good.
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As you can see Rodney has shown, and seems sure to continue to show, his selfless attitude towards life and basketball as he progresses into the next phase of his life. Although he is undecided on which school he may attend next year, I am certain that whichever university he selects will be receiving a fantastic talent that possesses sound leadership qualities. Good luck to Rodney as he approaches college and equal luck to the entire Wheatland-Chili Boys Basketball team as they head down the stretch run of the 2014/2015 season!
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Player Profile: Owen Thompson – Attica Boys Basketball
Player Profile: Hayden Ewell – Pavilion Boys Basketball
Player Profile: Josh Johnson – Notre Dame Boys Basketball
Player Profile: Rylee Moser – Pembroke Girls Basketball
Player Profile: Tyler Roberts – Wheatland-Chili Boys Basketball
