Aaron Sims is a junior at East Central High School, where he is a member of the Cardinal’s basketball team. Throughout his career, he has had a number of big influences on his life, but there are a couple of people that have had the biggest impact.

“My biggest role models are my coach and my mother,” Aaron said. “My coach has invested a lot of time in me and he has taught me what true dedication means. He taught me to take basketball seriously as something I can grow in. Before that, it was always just something I did for fun. My mother is the strongest person I know in the world and she taught me to never give up no matter how high the cards seem to be stacked against you. I had always seen her find a way even when there seemed to be no way.”

While he loves to play the game of basketball, Sims has put in a lot of time and effort in order to become the player that he is. When things get tough, he keeps himself focused by thinking about those he loves.

“It has taken constant practice,” he said. “I spend at least three hours a day practicing on my game and working to become better. Making my family proud and being a positive role model for my little brothers and sister is how I keep myself motivated.”

Throughout his career, Aaron has faced a number of different opponents, but he says there is not one that he enjoys beating more than the others.

“I am a competitive person,” he said. “But I am as equally competitive with all my opponents. I give my all every time I am going up against anyone. And I have some great teammates and I enjoy practicing against each of them. They each have a different skill that challenges me in a different way.”

Any time that Sims is able to wear the East Central uniform, he knows he is doing more than just playing a game.

“It is a great honor to represent my school whenever I am out on that court,” he stated. “I always try to do my best to give our school the best name I can.”