VARSITY BASKETBALL

After more than 2 years of no varsity basketball in Sentul, this year the team is back at it again, led by captain Aurelius Laksono, Head Coach Mr Christopher Soodsma, and Assistant Coach Mr Joseph Lardizabal, starting the season midOctober and their first game on November 3, 2022 The last game of the season sets for February 16, 2023. The season brought many ups and downs, both great and some not-so-great games It is the last season of 4 senior varsity players; Frederick Wenas, Steve Herryanto, Jeff Simanjuntak, and captain Aurelius Laksono, whose presence will be missed next season

This season was a great one the Varsity boys' record for this season was 13 wins and only 6 losses The boys were champions in one tournament they played in this season, the ACS open tournament, and also finished 3rd overall in the JAAC competition, the first boys' team to ever accomplish that in Sentul!! Overall, this season was a great one for the guys Every single player on the team gave their all, in practice and games, and the hard work paid off The team improved a lot this season, both mentally and physically The guys left it all out on the court!! That is all from the varsity boys this season. What a season it was!

In relation to the Varsity basketball season this year, Scoop has decided to interview one of SPH SC’s alumni who has just finished his final season as a basketball player at HannibalLaGrange University (HLGU). He goes by the name, Rivaldy Hartanto, known as Aldi. We asked him a few questions regarding his experience playing basketball overseas and more. So without further adieu here is the interview;

What was it like transitioning from high school basketball to college basketball overseas?

Transitioning from high school to college basketball in the states was difficult at first, because the commitment and responsibilities that you have now are way bigger It's like going to work as you get a scholarship to play basketball they expect you to be professional about it, get in the work done and be coachable. Not to mention youre expected to be in the gym outside of practice, like shooting hundreds of shots daily and lifting for a couple of hours a day. It requires dedication and passion, and most high school athletes do not have this There is a lot of adjustments that I made such as understanding basketball concepts that I have never heard before coming to the states It was difficult at first but as time passed by you're used to it and more familiar with it

How do you balance your school/uni life with your athletics as a student-athlete?

Balancing time is not actually that difficult if you can schedule your day prior and be committed to it, set up a time when your sole focus is schoolwork every single day for several hours and do not get distracted

How has basketball impacted you personally?

Basketball has impacted my life in many ways not only that I have a family here but I have bonded with many different people from different backgrounds It taught me a lot of things about life

What advice do you have for student athletes?

My advice to young student-athlete that want to play college basketball is that if you want it so badly go and get it, put in the effort, work in and night out, show your passion and dedication and you will be rewarded If you want to play in front of thousands work in front of nobody, and when you work hard somebody will notice And that is all for the interview with Aldi, if you are interested, some of his highlights can be found on his IG @rivaldiyohansen