By Hayden Swope

Brian Perry, a basketball athlete from Andover Central, was chosen as the Shelter Insurance Athlete of the Month. Last season, Perry was named an all-league honorable mention athlete. 

“It means a lot to be chosen for the magazine,” Perry said. “It makes me even more excited for this upcoming season.”

After a loss at substate last season, Perry’s only goal this year is to make it farther in
the postseason. 

“The one thing I’m focused on this year is winning the state championship game,” Perry said. “I’m not worried about personal accolades because those will come. I felt like I let my teammates, friends, and school down when we lost in substate. I never want to feel that pain ever again.”

Perry spent the offseason working to better his weaknesses, in hopes of improving his skills
on offense. 

“I’ve been preparing for this upcoming season since we lost the substate game in March,” Perry said. “I’ve been working on having a quicker release on my jump shot and getting into my midrange.”

Being a senior, Perry remembers all of the exciting moments that come along with the season. His favorite, however, just so happens to be a game against Andover. 

“My favorite basketball memory is when we beat our crosstown rivals at home,” Perry said. “That was the best basketball atmosphere I have ever played in. I remember walking out of the locker room and seeing the stands packed. Then, after the game, celebrating in the locker room is something I will never forget.”

After high school, Perry has aspirations to continue playing basketball and pursue his education in science in college. 

“I want to play basketball in college and major in kinesiology, and I want to be an athletic trainer,” Perry said. “I plan on committing for college sometime after the season.”