Athlete of the Week: Jack Schoemann

Who was a major influence on your interest in basketball?

Definitely my dad. Growing up, he was my coach all the way until high school and we always played together. He played college basketball [at Whittier College in Southern California] and that’s one of my goals, too. So I really look up to my dad in that sense.

Did your dad’s basketball knowledge and advice help you progress as a player?

Yeah. He knows a lot of things and has played a lot of games. He’s given me some great advice-something that I’m really grateful for.

Do you hope to play in college? Have any schools reached out to you for potential scholarships to play?

Yes, definitely. The University of Texas at El Paso and Colorado State [have offered me scholarships] and some others that are interested. I’m just really excited about the process and what lies ahead. They’re both Division I.

Did you play other sports growing up or has basketball been the main sport you’ve played your entire life?

Of course, I tried baseball and soccer but my main focus has always been basketball. I liked it the most so I just stuck with it.

What is your main individual goal for this season?

I want to make some type of league honor like honorable mention or first or second team [honors given to the top 10 players in the Sunflower League] that’s a big goal of mine.

What do you want to achieve as a team this season?

I think we have a chance to win the league. Obviously go above .500 is a good goal because we didn’t do that last year and I think we’re off to a good start this year.

Do you play for a club team when you’re not playing for East?

In the summer. I’ve played freshman, sophomore and now the summer leading into junior year.

What is your favorite part of the season?

Doing well at the tournament we hosted that we got third place. That was a big way to start the season. I’m most looking forward to the out of town trip to McPherson next week. It’s just really fun to be with all the guys and get some days off of school.