Bobby Perry knows he can do a lot on the basketball court.
But he knows when he’s with his teammates, he can do a lot more.
Perry is a senior shooting guard on the Northeast High School basketball team, and the longtime baller can do a lot of different things.
Growing up, he was a point guard so he’s more than capable of handling the ball and running the offense.
Since he got to Northeast, he’s transitioned to shooting guard, and when the situation calls for it, Perry can light up the scoreboard and be the Vikings’ go-to guy when the team is in desperate need of a bucket.
He spends a lot of time in the gym jacking up shots, working on his fitness, stamina and overall basketball game.
Perry also knows his teammates are among some of the best athletes and basketball players in the Public League. He knows they have the ability to carry Northeast to a great season through their efforts.
But the biggest thing he knows is whatever the individual players on this year’s team can do, they can do so much more when they play together.
That’s been the goal since the season started. And Perry isn’t afraid to brag about the success of his team, but it’s always about others.
“I think we have a really good team this year and we have a lot of guys who contribute, so that’s why I think we’re going to be successful,” said Perry, who lives near Holme Circle. “I think Jonathan Miller is a great player who can do so much. He’s always helping us. And when we need scoring, we have Tahir Williams. He can do a lot of things. He’s also our energy guy, when I’m tired, he picks me up. He really turns it up and that gets me going. The whole team, though, everyone who gets in can play.”
So far, things are going pretty well for the Vikings.
Northeast took its lumps in nonleague play, going 0-6 against foes who aren’t in the Public League, but that’s because the Vikings loaded up their schedule.
It’s paid off, too. Northeast is 5-1 in Public League Liberty Division play, and within striking distance of winning the league. As the New Year begins, the Vikings still have a shot at enjoying a great season because of their fast start in Public League play, and Perry believes that will continue.
He credits the success the team enjoyed last year as the catalyst for this year’s fast start.
“Last year, we were able to load up on our chemistry and we became a much better team,” Perry said. “The past few years (before that) it wasn’t as good, but we put in a lot of work. We made practice harder than the games and we all trusted each other. A mixture of trust and stuff like that. Sophomore year we had a lot of work to do, but we did it. That paid off last year and now this year.”.
Perry isn’t overly concerned with his individual play, but he has worked hard to become the player Northeast coach Steven Novosel needs. And that means more than being a great player on the floor.
“I’ll do anything I can to help the team, I’ll play anywhere,” Perry said. “I’m playing shooting guard and I love that. I love being on the wing, attacking the basket, but I’ll play point guard. Whatever we need.
“I knew I had to be a guy who will do anything because we had a big summer of preparation. We played in summer leagues, we played in AAU, but coach always tells us it’s important to play together and bond. We did that. We were together all summer. I think our chemistry is the best thing we have on this team.”
Perry is playing to secure a spot next year to play in college. He’s had some coaches contact him, and he’s excited about the process.
“I want to study psychology or business,” Perry said. “Psychology, I love. I’m really interested in it. I have it at Northeast and I’m excelling at it. I really enjoy it. And business, I want to own my own business. I’d love to have something in basketball. I’ve always wanted to be tied in with basketball, something that ties in with that. I love basketball and would like to be involved for as long as I can.”
Perry was quick to point out that his journey to being a high school star and a college prospect required a lot of hard work, and it wasn’t just him putting in that effort.
“My coaches are a huge part of where I am,” Perry said. “They’ve helped me so much. And my mom, she’s always there for me. Really, both my parents. They make sure I’m where I need to be. We have early practices and I’ll be in there shooting in the morning. I’m the first one there and last to leave, but they made sure I was there. I’ve had great support.”
Now he wants to support the Vikings in their quest for a championship. It won’t be easy, the Public League is tough, but Perry hopes he can end a long drought.
“We haven’t won a basketball championship in 100 years,” he said. “I want to be one of the guys who helps us win. It means a lot. I love Northeast, I want to lead them. We have a really good team and I think we can be very good.”
