By Derrick Smith

Athletes put in many hours of work and practice in order to be the best that they can be. Whether it is during team practices or in the weight room, they are continually working to improve their game. While Gabe Patterson knows that these are important, he has also found another way to work on his game.

“In order to be successful at basketball, I play basketball anytime I am able to,” he said. “I have played competitively on AAU teams since I was ten years old, while also playing for my school. I travel to a lot of national tournaments. Also, I work out with a basketball trainer and do weight training.”

Patterson is a sophomore at Rejoice Christian School. He currently only plays basketball for the Eagles, but he has played other sports in the past. He previously played soccer and baseball, but once he started playing basketball year-round, he had to focus on it. After varsity basketball season is over, he says he is looking to play a spring sport.

Gabe started playing basketball when he was five years old and says that his dad introduced him to the game. 

“My dad played basketball in college,” he said. “So I guess I was always playing with him even before I was on an organized team. I also had a couple of professional athletes that I look up to. The first is Dennis Rodman because he played incredible defense and could get any rebound. The other is MMA fighter Conor McGregor, mainly because he has so much confidence.”

As a student at Rejoice, Patterson has had a number of teachers, but he says that there is one that stands out as his favorite. 

“Mrs. Jennings would have to be my favorite teacher,” he said. “She taught American Sign Language. She was interested in my life outside of school, and I could tell her anything. She helped me grow as a person.”

Along with playing sports, Gabe is also a member of the yearbook staff and serves as a tribe leader for chapel groups. He also volunteers at basketball camps during the summer.