Athlete Profile: Dequez Sepulveda

Suring senior ready to make more memories on court

SURING — The Suring High School boys basketball team is under the direction of new head coach Chris Geniesse this season, and seniors like Dequez Sepulveda are trying to help the team make a smooth transition.

Sepulveda makes an impact on both sides of the court for the Eagles, serving as a reliable scorer on offense as well as a strong defender.

The senior already has experienced some memorable moments on the court during his high school career. Sepulveda averaged over eight points during the 2018-19 season when Suring made it to a regional title game.

Sepulveda now hopes to help the team create some more memories over the final few months of the season.

Q: When did your interest in basketball begin?

A: My interest in basketball came when I was really young. Ever since I was able to walk, I had a basketball in my hands.

Q: What is your favorite part about the basketball season?

A: My favorite part of the season is just being able to play the sport I love with my teammates.

Q: Do you have any individual goals you’d like to accomplish in your final season on the court?

A: My personal goal on the final season of my high school basketball career is to play my best every game and make sure I’m always doing my part on this team.

Q: The team is under a new coach this season. What has that transition to a new coach been like for the team?

A: It’s different, but it’s a good transition. He is young, knows a lot about the sport and he always has something good planned for practice that makes our team better and better every day. Also, it’s nice that he’s young and can practice with us and show us what we are doing wrong and how to fix it.

Q: What areas of the game does the team need to improve as the season continues on?

A: This team is full of positive kids and we work hard everyday to make each other better. We need to work on working better as a team.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Suring boys basketball team?

A: I have so many favorite memories with this team that there are too many to choose from. Every day that I play the sport, I receive unforgettable moments.

Q: What are you going to miss most about high school basketball?

A: Everything. I’m gonna miss everything about this sport. The team, the coach, practices and games.

Q: Favorite TV show, movie and musical artist?

A: My favorite TV show is “All American.” My favorite movie is “The Blind Side.” And my favorite artist has got to be DaBaby, because the flow of his songs pumps me up and gets me ready to play ball.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: Something that many people don’t know about me is that I didn’t start playing basketball with a team until I was in the seventh grade.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you are not in school or competing in a high school sport?

A: My favorite thing to do outside of school sports is being in the woods. I like to hunt, fish, etc.

Q: What’s the greatest piece of advice you have ever been told?

A: The greatest piece of advice I was ever told was from my father (Joshua Sepulveda). He told me, “When you get out on the court, don’t make it about you. Make it about your team. Don’t worry about who’s in the stands or what people are saying about your team. Just get out there and play basketball.”

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating from high school?

A: I hope to go to college and finish it out; hopefully within the next 4-5 years, start my career in criminal justice as a police officer.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Dequez Sepulveda

Sport: Boys Basketball

Position: Forward

School: Suring High School

Year: Senior