Hopefully, this will be a weekly feature here in the blog --- a "one on one" article with CWOSSA players and coaches.
If you would like to recommend someone, please feel free to email me.
One-on-One: Darnell Simpson, Forward, KCI Raiders
CWOSSA Basketball: You had an interesting year last year, transferring to KCI mid-season and being eligible to play right away because you hadn't played in the previous year. How difficult was it to jump into a season right in the middle of it? Also, how was the experience last year playing in those great playoff games (Grand River, Bluevale) and in the WCSSAA finals?
Darnell Simpson: "It was extremely difficult to jump into the season late and playing with a group of talented guys that I didn't really know. Also, I had to adjust to Coach White's offense and style of play which was a little difficult but the team was willing to help me learn. Playing against some of the top WCSSAA schools was a great experience because i got the oppurtunity to play against the top athletes and got an idea of what the pressure is like, as it was my first visit to the finals."
CWOSSA Basketball: You're off to a nice start this year with a couple double-digit performances, and KCI got a big first win on the year against Galt. How do you think the Raiders will do this year in WCSSAA, considering you've lost a couple key guys like John Mitchell and Gavin Berry?
Darnell Simpson: "Even with some key losses like Gavin and John I strongly believe we will continue to be a very tough team to beat this season. We know we have to step it up this season if we want to taste a WCSSAA title as teams will be gunning for us after last year. I've honestly never been around a group of guys like the teamates I've been blessed with this season --- guys like Arben, Tristan, Dan, Graham and our key grade 11 Alex Galea --- they're all terrific players and because of them and our coaching staff I've been able to play my game and I'm only going to get better!"
CWOSSA Basketball: What do you think you "bring to the table" for KCI in terms of your individual ability?
Darnell Simpson: "In terms of my individual abilities, I believe I bring a lot of athleticism, and an ability to block shots. Offensively, I try to take some pressure off of our star Arben Kalaba. Also, I try to I put the ball and opening the floor for the rest of the team.....I love getting above the rim and finishing with authority!"
CWOSSA Basketball: What's the thing you like best about playing for Coach White at KCI?
Darnell Simpson: "He's the best coach I've ever had --- last season [Coach White] read the team an article on toughness, which stuck with us constantly. He allows us to play the game the way we know how and then takes us individually and perfects us into the team we are. He's been a big part of my development as a player, so I definitely have to thank him for that."
CWOSSA Basketball: Outside of basketball, what are your favourite courses at KCI? What are you looking at doing after high school?
Darnell Simpson: "I haven't failed to get an early start on my career after high school. I plan to attend college in Ontario or the States if my dream works out, where I would like to study computer engineering. At KCI, my favourite courses would have to be math and communications technology."
CWOSSA Basketball: Thank you Darnell, and good luck this season!
If you would like to recommend someone, please feel free to email me.
One-on-One: Darnell Simpson, Forward, KCI Raiders
CWOSSA Basketball: You had an interesting year last year, transferring to KCI mid-season and being eligible to play right away because you hadn't played in the previous year. How difficult was it to jump into a season right in the middle of it? Also, how was the experience last year playing in those great playoff games (Grand River, Bluevale) and in the WCSSAA finals?
Darnell Simpson: "It was extremely difficult to jump into the season late and playing with a group of talented guys that I didn't really know. Also, I had to adjust to Coach White's offense and style of play which was a little difficult but the team was willing to help me learn. Playing against some of the top WCSSAA schools was a great experience because i got the oppurtunity to play against the top athletes and got an idea of what the pressure is like, as it was my first visit to the finals."
CWOSSA Basketball: You're off to a nice start this year with a couple double-digit performances, and KCI got a big first win on the year against Galt. How do you think the Raiders will do this year in WCSSAA, considering you've lost a couple key guys like John Mitchell and Gavin Berry?
Darnell Simpson: "Even with some key losses like Gavin and John I strongly believe we will continue to be a very tough team to beat this season. We know we have to step it up this season if we want to taste a WCSSAA title as teams will be gunning for us after last year. I've honestly never been around a group of guys like the teamates I've been blessed with this season --- guys like Arben, Tristan, Dan, Graham and our key grade 11 Alex Galea --- they're all terrific players and because of them and our coaching staff I've been able to play my game and I'm only going to get better!"
CWOSSA Basketball: What do you think you "bring to the table" for KCI in terms of your individual ability?
Darnell Simpson: "In terms of my individual abilities, I believe I bring a lot of athleticism, and an ability to block shots. Offensively, I try to take some pressure off of our star Arben Kalaba. Also, I try to I put the ball and opening the floor for the rest of the team.....I love getting above the rim and finishing with authority!"
CWOSSA Basketball: What's the thing you like best about playing for Coach White at KCI?
Darnell Simpson: "He's the best coach I've ever had --- last season [Coach White] read the team an article on toughness, which stuck with us constantly. He allows us to play the game the way we know how and then takes us individually and perfects us into the team we are. He's been a big part of my development as a player, so I definitely have to thank him for that."
CWOSSA Basketball: Outside of basketball, what are your favourite courses at KCI? What are you looking at doing after high school?
Darnell Simpson: "I haven't failed to get an early start on my career after high school. I plan to attend college in Ontario or the States if my dream works out, where I would like to study computer engineering. At KCI, my favourite courses would have to be math and communications technology."
CWOSSA Basketball: Thank you Darnell, and good luck this season!
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