My name is Justin Watkins and here is my story. I've been playing basketball ever since I could walk. My parents would tell me endlessly about the times when I would dunk rice grains in a Little Tikes hoop. I played recreational basketball and baseball all of my years during elementary school and 6th grade. 7th grade approached and I tried out for the middle school team at Holbrook. I was devastated to find out that I did not make the team. I cried for days on end, and it was a very dark time in my life. 8th grade approached and I vowed to make sure that I would make the team. I took part in football to get me in shape for the upcoming season. Although I didn't play much, I still built my endurance and strength. I even wrestled after that to get even stronger, I even placed 4th in the county in my weight class. When basketball tryouts came up, I knew that I would be set to make it, and I did. To make a long story short, I didn't get any serious playing time and didn't have fun playing that year. Freshman year of high school approaches and I am ready to start my high school basketball career. I tried out for the JV team thinking I was surely going to make it. I was cut from the team during first cuts. I was filled with so much anger and frustration, so I went back to wrestling so I could stay active. My season was cut short though, due to a severe contusion in my leg. Sophmore year came and I made the JV team, but rode the bench the entire time. By this point in my life, I was motivated to work harder than ever to make Varsity. I spent all summer with a personal trainer, doing workouts outdoors near my elementary school that I went to. We did every exercise imaginable, we even pushed a van as crazy as it sounds. All of this hard work payed off, and I made the Varsity team my junior year. I was so happy and ready to actually start my high school basketball career. Again to make a long story short, I rode the bench yet again. At this point I was filled with so many emotions. I was happy that I was going to get an opportunity next year, but upset for being looked over again in my life. I worked even harder the summer going into my senior year than I worked the summer before. I vowed to not let my senior season be a disappointment. When the season started, I was facing doubt from a lot of peers and teammates. Even my coach had his doubts about me at the beginning of the season. The only reason why I started this season was because I was a senior, and I wanted to prove my worth to the team. To sum this up, my senior season was a huge success. I was the third leader on my team in scoring, first on the team in rebounding, and second in blocks. I was one spot away from making all-conference, even though I feel as if I was again looked over. Although my basketball story is very rocky and has a lot of adversity, it is my story and I wouldn't have it any other way. I now have a new found appreciation for the game and everything about it, and if I have the opportunity to play college basketball I will work harder than ever before to be an important piece to whoever that team may be. My old ways are behind me and I will beast out if given the opportunity!