It’s the era of specialization

Many prep athletes choose to play one sport year-round

By AARON COE

Herald Writer

Putting a ball into a basket seems so simple.

It is why so many are drawn to the game of basketball. Anyone can play, whether it be alone, or in a crowded gym somewhere.

When basketball inventor James Naismith hung up peach baskets, he probably had no idea that many high school players would essentially devote their lives to the game.

Sometimes, putting a ball through a net can be hard. Those who want to do it with some regularity have to work on the craft nearly every day of the year. To be a dominant basketball player — and to secure a college scholarship — athletes often have to specialize in the sport. The days of the jock who is the quarterback of the football team, the scoring machine on the basketball team and the flame-throwing pitcher on the baseball team seem to be ending. As the competition level grows, there just isn’t time to do all three effectively.

"I played tennis for a while," said Kamiak guard Jeff Knudson, who recently committed to Seattle Pacific University. "But then I thought I might be wasting my time. I knew someone else was out there working at it, so now I’m totally committed to basketball.

Knudson, a 6-foot-6 guard, plays the game year-round. A Kamiak practice may last for only two hours a night, but for Knudson and many other prep players, it doesn’t end there. Knudson spends additional time trying to perfect his jump shot, which is often good from well beyond the 3-point line. And time must be spent in the weight room if one wants to compete in a game that is becoming more physical.

Knudson will play at least 20 games with his high school team during the season. The Knights also play in a summer league. Knudson and teammate Scott Szalay, a 6-foot-7 post player, also played on the Emerald City Nike team, which played about a 50-game schedule during the summer, including several out-of-state tournaments.

What that means is, Knudson and Szalay will play approximately 100 games this year, not including the many pickup games they have participated in.

"You just love the game," Szalay said. "You want to get better, and you want to win, too.

The hard work of returning starters Szalay, Knudson and Mike Boyle has put the Knights in a position to contend for the Western Conference 4A South Division title. All three players may end up playing college ball. Boyle was a year-round player, but was talked into playing football as a senior. Boyle, in one season, proved to be one of the league’s best receivers and was a major factor in Kamiak’s 11-2 season that ended in the state semifinals last Saturday.

And as it turns out, Boyle may be going to college on a scholarship — for football.

"I was always afraid I’d get hurt," Boyle said. "Everybody said I should have played last year, and I wish I would have."

That’s why some believe the trend toward focusing on one sport is not necessarily a good thing. Athletes may be missing opportunities in other sports. And when athletes choose one sport, other programs in the school may suffer because they lack athletes.

"We need kids to turn out for more than one sport," Everett basketball coach Darrell Olson said. "We can’t survive if too many kids specialize."

Everett returns two starters from last season’s team that finished seventh in the state tournament. Reggie Limar and Josh Daniels, who play hoops all year, give the Seagulls a chance to compete with Stanwood. The Spartans are led by basketball specialists Ryan Appleby and Marcus Steele and may be the favorites to win the league.

Many athletes are drawn to select ball because of the exposure they receive and the opportunity to travel around the country. Some coaches are able to make a career out of select basketball, if they can find solid sponsorship, which often comes from athletic shoe companies.

"I don’t know if I would call it organized chaos, but that’s kind of what it is," Olson said. "I wish there were a way the number of games could be limited. I just don’t think it’s healthy to play year-round."

For some, the game can be expensive. Basketball is attractive to many, because all you really need is a ball and a pair of sneakers.

But, if you want to be the best, you’ve got to play select ball. Personal trainers can be hired at gymnasiums to improve foot speed, strength, quickness, ballhandling and shooting, among other things.

Though some believe athletes are missing out on other experiences, those who dedicate themselves to the game of basketball wouldn’t have it any other way.

"It’s all for the love of basketball," Knudson said. "I just want to get better. It’s kind of an addiction."

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Lake Stevens’ Kamryn Mason attempts to flip Glacier Peak’s Kyla Brown onto her back during 110-pound match at the 4A girls wrestling district tournament on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 in Mill Creek, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Vikings girls wrestling conquers 4A District 1 Tournament

Lake Stevens dominated with champions in six weight classes and 18 total state-qualifiers

Kamiak’s Kai Burgess has her arm raised in the air after beating Arlington’s Jaymari O’Neal in the 125-pound match at the 4A girls wrestling district tournament on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 in Mill Creek, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Rebuilding Kamiak girls wrestling steps forward at District Tournament

Ki Burgess and Eden Cole each won their weight class in Friday’s WIAA District 1 Girls’ 4A Tournament

Meadowdale’s Kyairra Roussin takes the ball to the hoop during the game against Archbishop Murphy on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep girls basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 7

Kyairra Roussin’s deep buzzer-beater lifts Meadowdale over Stanwood.

Prep boys basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 7

Lake Stevens passes Mariner in league standings to take final district slot.

Seattle head coach Mike Holmgren watches his team against Washington Sunday, November 9, 2003. (George Bridges / KRT / Tribune News Services)
No Holmgren in Hall is a travesty

The Former Seahawks coach carries a resume superior to many already in the HOF.

A Snohomish School District truck clears the parking lot at Glacier Peak High School on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (Aaron Coe / The Herald)
Inclement weather cancellations strain high school sports calendar

With state tournaments on the horizon, ADs from Wesco, Northwest and Kingco must be flexible

Gonzaga overcomes stagnant start to beat LMU

Bulldogs get ‘best of best’ play down the stretch in 73-53 win.

Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates during a stop of the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field on Nov. 24, 2024 (Photo courtesy of Rod Mar / Seattle Seahawks)
Leonard Williams restructures Seahawks deal

More moves may be coming as Seattle deals with salary cap.

Former Archbishop Murphy High School stars, Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) and Seahawks right tackle Abraham Lucas (72), prepare for play at Soldier Field in Chicago on Dec. 26, 2024. Though Lucas is likely to return as a starter, Seattle's interior line needs offseason upgrades. (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)
The Seahawks offensive line needs work

A mix free agency and draft could lead to upgraded interior.

UW men stumble in second half, fall to Nebraska

The three-pointers that fell so frequently — and from a… Continue reading

Edmonds-Woodway’s William Alseth dribbles the ball down the court during the game against Shorewood on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds-Woodway boys basketball enters playoffs on high note

The Warriors never let up in 63-43 win vs. Shorewood on Tuesday to secure Wesco South 3A/2A title

Prep basketball roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 4

Parker powers Seagulls to district berth.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.