The Basketball Interview with Josh Sipes
U of Mary committed Josh Sipes of Bismarck Century is the latest to tackle The Basketball Interview at PHD.
At your school, what is your favorite part or parts about game days in terms of the routine leading up to the game?
JS: I think it’s definitely the atmosphere of excitement everyone has around the halls at school, it really gets the team pumped up and ready to show out for game time.
What makes your crowd unique?
JS: I think what makes our crowd unique is that whether we’re winning or losing they’re always going to be there for us. One thing I can remember pretty vividly is my freshman year at the state tournament. I was sitting the bench for the state championship game that we ended up losing by two points, and after we lost our whole crowd cheered out “We love our boys” for a long time. That was a pretty special moment to be a part of.
Who is your biggest rival and what about them makes the rivalry both heated and memorable?
JS: I think Minot is probably our biggest rival right now. It’s always a tooth and nail grind it out type of game against them, and there’s never an empty seat in the gym. I think it’s such a memorable rivalry because every game we play against them comes down to one or two possessions as the deciding factor.
Who is your favorite basketball player in the world and why?
JS: Probably Steph Curry, obviously he can shoot the lights out any given night, and lead his team to NBA championships, but the humbleness he approaches the game with is something that really stands out to me.
All basketball players love gear. What brand of gear or type of gear are you partial to?
JS: I think Nike has my favorite gear. Ever since I was a kid I can remember watching the Nike commercials and always wanting to buy the newest gear. I definitely didn’t always get it, but it was something I grew up with.
What is your favorite venue to play basketball in that you’ve played in?
JS: Honestly, I’d have to say the Century gym. It’s such a great atmosphere. The fans get excited, and the student section gets rowdy, we definitely have some of the best fans in the state. There’s really nothing like it.
What court that you haven’t played on would you dream of playing on?
JS: It’s far fetched for sure, but I’d have to say Oracle Arena.
Explain the relationship varsity players have at your school with youth players?
JS: We have a couple camps throughout the year where we try to connect with youth players. It’s kind of just a fun time to hangout with a younger group of guys that you know might be taking your spot sometime in the future.
Best coaching advice you’ve received is what and who was it from?
JS: “A team is only as good as its weakest link” -Coach Mattern
Who is your basketball influence?
JS: My dad definitely, he put a ball in my hand at 3 years old and helped me develop, at a very young age, a love for the game. He and my mom have been with me and pushed me since the beginning, and I can’t thank them enough for that.