“Never give up and always try your hardest” is what sophomore Devin Smaldore tries to live and play by.

Smaldore is the point guard on the JV basketball team. His job is to control the offense and essentially, help lead the team to victory. “I don’t think it is ever too much pressure being a point guard , but when times get tough you are definitely expected to pick up you game,” Smaldore said. Smaldore’s inspiration and idol is Rajon Rondo, the Boston Celtics point guard.

His favorite part of playing basketball is playing and working together with his teammates. “I think what makes a good teammate is being a pass first player,” Smaldore said

“If you play as a team, and everyone works together, then you’re playing right.” Smaldore said.

Smaldore has been playing basketball for over ten years. Some of his fondest basketball memories from those years were playing recreational basketball with his father as his coach. One of the milestones of Smaldore’s career was when he won the Amateur Athletic Union Championship in the seventh grade.

Smaldore’s goal for this season is for the team to work well together and to win the Baltimore Catholic League Championship. Smaldore plans to play basketball his remaining years at JC, and hopes to play in college and professionally.

Emily Cassidy is a contributing writer for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.