Vincent Hsiao

William Becker (11) dribbles across the court during their game Jan. 20 against Parkway West. Becker scored a season high of 36 points.

With the crowd booming, cheerleaders chanting and players shouting, William Becker (11) runs across the court, making every last second count while the clock ticks down to the end of the fourth quarter. Getting past St. Dominics’ defenders, Becker shoots with one second on the clock, scoring a 3-pointer to put his team in the lead and ultimately win the game. The crowd erupts wildly in roars and cheers, and the boys’ varsity basketball team, filled with excitement, lifts Becker up in celebration of his talent. Becker has been playing organized basketball since he was 4 years old. His interest in the sport was initially inspired from his mother’s love for college basketball. Ever since he started shooting baskets into the hoop his mother put in the driveway, basketball has left a remarkable and deep impact on Becker’s life. 

“[My favorite aspect of basketball] is meeting the people you meet while you play the sport,” Becker said. “I’ve met so many people over my whole life playing basketball, and I’m still friends with people that I met in grade school [from basketball] to this day.” 

Not only has Becker gained meaningful relationships and friendships from basketball, but he has also gained personal qualities from the game. These characteristics he’s achieved affects both his performance as a captain on the court and his personality off the court. 

“I would say I’m being more understanding of everyone, especially this year, since I’m a leader for our team,” Becker said. “Last year, the seniors taught me how to be more mature on and off the court. I’ve seen people struggle and go through ups and downs, and I feel like I’ve been there for a lot of them to help them through those times.” 

Becker, through his knowledge of the game and his critical thinking on the court, has earned his role as a captain for the team. Boys’ basketball head coach Chad Anderson has noticed these leadership qualities in him ever since he began coaching Becker in his freshman year, and admires his willingness to step up and voice his ideas for the sake of the team.

“I’ve had [many] one-on-ones with [Becker], whether it may be [me] approaching him or [him] approaching me,” Anderson said. “He’s a smart kid. He’s a deep thinker, and he brings some good ideas to [the team].” 

Though Becker has excelled in his performance and being a leader on the court, he has struggled with putting pressure on himself. However, this has further helped Becker become both a supportive and strong teammate, which highlights his leadership characteristics.

“I feel like I’m in competition  with myself to do better,” Becker said. “It inspires me to get other people involved and help them get through the hard times.” 

Despite the different struggles that he encounters, Becker has found various ways to get past them. Doing this, he’s able to keep performing his best and also able to keep showing up for his team every game. 

“[You have to have] the mind of a goldfish,” Becker said. “You gotta forget about the bad things that happen. If you let those things carry with you, it will negatively impact you for what can be a
very long time.”