22 Jan 2014 Team unity 'key' for Bottoms, Rebels
by Mark Oliver
Have you ever heard the saying, “the team that plays together, stays together”?
Since the second grade, Drew Bottoms and his classmates have been doing just that. That’s just the way it is at Sacred Heart.
“When I was in second grade, there was a city league going on and my entire class joined,” Bottoms said. “We played there together and played all the way through pee-wee, junior high and now, high school.”
Bottoms was nominated and selected to the inaugural 501 Basketball Team, which is made up of male and female student-athletes honored for their on- and off-the-court accomplishments and contributions. He was nominated by his coach, Aaron Duvall.
“Drew was selected captain of the team and has stepped up into being a positive leader,” Duvall said. “He has been someone the younger players look up to. When others are losing their cool, Drew has a calm demeanor.”
One of Bottoms’ role models on the court is NBA superstar LeBron James.
“I like LeBron,” Bottoms said. “They can’t use that ring joke anymore about him. He’s aggressive, and he can do anything. He’s a very versatile player.”
Finishing an impressive 30-10 last season, the Rebels stumbled in the first round of the state tournament. Although the loss was disappointing for Bottoms, it also inspired him to up his game in his senior season.
“I want to be a better team player,” Bottoms said. “I want to do what I can for the team, no matter what it is — scoring, rebounding — whatever I can do to help the team improve.”
“I expect Drew to be a leader,” Duvall added. “He will also be asked to do the majority of scoring. He will and can play both inside and out and has been our leading rebounder thus far.”
Off to a slow start this season, the Rebels are looking to finish strong and pursue another state tournament appearance.
“We started slow this year, but we have been playing better,” Bottoms said. “Team unity and playing together — that’s been our focus,” Bottoms said.
The team will also look to unite against one of its biggest rivals, Wonderview, after suffering a 55-43 loss to the Daredevils earlier this month.
“It’s always a close game, no matter what,” Bottoms said. “We all know each other so well. It’s fun.”
Off the court, Bottoms is actively involved with Beta Club, Key Club and Quiz Bowl for Sacred Heart. He enjoys hunting and fishing and plans to attend Arkansas State University with a focus in civil engineering.
The Rebels travel to Lisa Academy tonight and play host to Wonderview on Tuesday.
