The Sprague High School Men’s Varsity Basketball team plays high-level basketball that deserves more media attention, especially if players are to continue their basketball careers after high school. By Rob Saffeels & Zach Marqua.
This story is sponsored by The Physical Therapy Project.
Learn More
Sprague Olympians Schedule – https://www.maxpreps.com/or/salem/sprague-olympians/basketball/schedule/
The Physical Therapy Project – https://theptproject.net/
Transcript
The Sprague Olympians have their sights set farther than just the state championship. The Men’s Varsity Basketball team play for the love of the game, and they hope their achievements will attract more media attention. You’re watching the Local News Network, brought to you by The Physical Therapy project. Jarod Stanley is just one Sprague Olympian at the top of his game. His ambitions are clear.
I mean, we want to win it all. Like, just next game mentality. Stay in the present. And yeah, just go as far as we can, honestly. I think we want to bring the state title home, get that ring, so we going to see.
This season, Head Coach Jordan Granato celebrates his 100th win in seven years, as well as back-to-back conference championships. He says this team is one of the best he’s coached, and they’re fun to watch. That’s why they hope to see more attendance from their community and the media.
There’s not much coverage for high school sports in the area, and I think that’s something that’s, you know, lacking. And really, it’s just about spotlighting the kids who are in every program, not just the super successful ones, maybe teams that are really fighting for a playoff spot. Those are things that should be spotlighted ’cause those are things that are hard.
Just really get our school out there. I mean, I feel like we should be known. We can compete with top teams. So, I mean, we just got something to prove.
And media coverage can make a difference, particularly for outstanding seniors who hope to land a basketball scholarship. While Jarod proves himself on the court, off the court, an ever-changing media landscape requires dedication, adaptability, and social media savvy. Jarod’s father, Rod Stanley, explains how their family is supporting their son’s ambitions.
My son, especially, he wants to play basketball on the next level. So we’re filming all the games, sending footage to coaches, writing letters, and making sure he’s also on top of his grades here in high school. You know, I think the kids now are going to have to start to develop their own brand, so they can really set themselves apart. I think that’s going to be important ’cause colleges are going to be looking at not only can you help sell tickets on the court, but also do you have a good brand yourself? What your social media presence looks like online and all that comes into consideration.
How is Jarod handling all that responsibility?
It’s a lot, honestly. I mean, I’m probably in school like, I’d say, 10 hours out of my day, so it’s a lot, but I love it.
Visit the link in the description for Sprague Olympian’s game scores and schedule. For more coverage of sports stories in your community, visit midvalleylocal.news and subscribe to our e-newsletter. Thank you for watching this edition of the Local News Network. I’m Zach Marqua.
