Okay, so before you start reading, today is a very special article because instead of one athlete, I’ll be covering THREE! The three athletes I am going to tell you about are more than just some varsity basketball teammates, they’re brothers. If you don’t know who I am talking about yet, it is our very own ACHS Seniors Seth Tapaoan, CJ Trinidad, and Ryan Patts. These three have an inseparable bond that goes beyond the court and beyond what our eyes can see. So let’s take a deeper look at their brotherly bond and their journey with basketball.
For those of you who have met Seth, CJ, and Ryan, how long do you think they’ve known each other? I know if I had to guess I would say almost their whole lives and I’m sure many of you would agree. But, I was shocked to hear that they just started playing together the summer before their 8th grade year on the NorCal Power AAU team. From there they participated in the ACHS summer basketball league, which led them to making the JV team in their FRESHMAN YEAR! That’s definitely a huge accomplishment as a freshman, and the best part is they did it together. After playing JV for the next two years, all three of them moved up to the varsity team their junior year, and in hopes of a season, will play varsity again this year.
Now that you all have an overview of their journey, let's get to know their brotherhood. Growing up, I always wanted to read minds, but no matter how hard I tried I was never able to LOL! However, these three have grown together so much that they can basically achieve the superpower I never had. From all the countless hours of playing together, they have built a trust in one another unlike any other trio. It has gotten to the point where, in their words, “playing together is like second nature”. Over the years, these three have learned one another's strengths and weaknesses and in doing this it has allowed them to perform better during games knowing they can trust each other's decisions, move the ball around easier, keep each other accountable, and put all their effort and energy in games for one another.
It doesn’t just stop there. In order to create the chemistry they have, like any other friendship, it takes time and commitment. And when I think of the word commitment, these three are a prime example of what that looks like. I have never met such passionate athletes that will take the time to live and breathe their sport. They strive to be better in any way possible and motivate each other to bring out the best versions of themselves each and every day. For example, I know a lot of other people see it too, but I kid you not, I see them not only during season but during their off season practicing in every waking moment they have. Whether it’s waking up at 6 am to meet up and practice together with their team or just shooting around in their own backyards, they are still working hard, and the majority of the time they are doing it together.
Now, if you aren’t as amazed as I am, you should be! Seth, CJ, and Ryan are the most unmatched basketball trio you will find because they have not only gone on this basketball journey together, but they went through life together as well. Their families are very close, so throughout these last few years they have all had the opportunity to travel to places like Hawaii, Utah, Reno, and even Vegas together. They have created many memories and even had some unforgettable ones where they laughed so hard they could barely breathe. But the best part is, no matter where they were in the world, they have always had each other's back. Whether it is encouraging one another from temporary failure or pushing each other towards greatness and celebrating their successes, it is done as a team. CJ had even said, “Seeing their work ethic everyday holds me accountable because they are like my family, and whatever I produce, I represent them”. Now that’s a true friendship.
The last thing I asked them was how they think their basketball journeys would differ if they hadn’t gone through it together? After reading all their responses I saw a common theme that, although it sounds cliche, they truly could not have been the successful player and person they are today without having the bond they created.
Ryan specifically stated, “I wouldn’t have just anyone pushing me to go out and put in the extra work when I got lazy. With them, I learned a lot about discipline and working as a team. We learn from each other and having a family type bond with a teammate is special, not to mention I have two.”
Seth said, “Through basketball, I’ve grown a relationship much deeper than just on the court with these guys.”
This unbreakable bond that seniors Seth Tapaoan, CJ Trinidad, and Ryan Patts have is a great example of what all team chemistry should be like if you want to be successful. So, for you athletes reading this, take it from these three, applying that extra time and commitment outside of practice to get to know your teammates and building that chemistry will help you and your team succeed in the long run. In learning your teammates strengths and weaknesses, working together will be second nature. Once that trust is built, you’ll truly be one family instead of just players on a team.
Thank you so much Seth, CJ, and Ryan for being leaders on and off the court and allowing us to see how a bond like yours is created. The chemistry you all have is truly inspiring for many and unlike any other I've ever seen. All your achievements are noticed by the students, parents, and even your own coach. Keep up all the hard work and continue to support each other. We can’t wait to see what the future has in store for each of you. Go Wolves!
Nice!