By Derrick Smith
Basketball has been a part of Parker Friedrichsen’s life for as long as he can remember. Over the years, the growth that he has experienced as an athlete can be attributed to the work that he has been willing to do.
“It has been putting in extra work everyday,” he said. “Also, listening to my trainers for what I can do better. I think listening to coaches has been a key for me. My goal is to be the best player in the state and I am going to continue to keep working hard towards that goal.”
Friedrichsen is a sophomore at Bixby High School. He plays both basketball and golf for the Spartans.
There are a few people that Parker looks up to, but he says that there is someone that he looks up to on the basketball court.
“As a basketball player, I look up to Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors,” he said. “I want to play basketball like he does but also be someone that people look up to. In life in general, I look up to my pops. He has taught me everything I know and I am thankful for him.”
Sam Fairchild, head coach of the Bixby boys basketball team, says that Parker’s work ethic is second to none and says he has a bright future ahead of him.
“He is a tireless worker and he puts more time in than any player I have had in twenty-nine years,” Fairchild said. “He has a super high basketball IQ and he is not only a great shooter but he sees the floor and understands the game. He has improved his defense and rebounding and also his ability to get to the rim and get his shot off while tightly defended. We are ready to see his work pay off this season.”
Friedrichsen has enjoyed a lot of exciting moments, but he says playing in front of one the best players in NBA history is definitely at the top of his list.
“The highlight moment of my career happened a few years ago,” he said. “I was playing basketball in Las Vegas and LeBron James was on the sideline watching. He was there because I was playing against his son Bronny. It was awesome because I ended up scoring 25 points in that game.”
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