Team chemistry, overcoming hardships, and balancing being a student athlete can be overwhelming yet they are a key part of Mason Darrell’s (11) basketball journey.

Darrell has been playing basketball for ten years, and has his father to thank for it.

“I started playing because I watched my dad play growing up a lot, so that influenced me to want to play,” Darrell said. “Families are extremely important to me. I love both my mom and dad and they influence me a ton to be a better person, and a better leader.”

While Darrell enjoys his extracurriculars, he never forgets about the student in student-athlete. He’s not only in basketball, but also balances CASS and athletic council.

 “I gotta put other stuff first before I play basketball, because being a student-athlete is important. I definitely get my school work done before I can go have fun playing basketball,” Darell said.

His career hasn’t always been easy though, Darrell has had his fair share of injuries.

“Seventh grade, I broke my hand, and it really messed up my jump shot,” Darrell said.” It took me a year and a half to get back to that, and I’m shooting the ball pretty well now.”

He didn’t let his hand injury hold him back, and kept working, so he could accomplish some of the big goals he has for later in life.

“I’m excited to try to accomplish some goals of mine, like trying to play college basketball, and trying to be an Indiana All-Star, stuff like that,” Darrell said.

Darrell has dreams that have grown from when he was just six years old. With everything he’s learned, he is going to keep working until he accomplishes them.