Athlete Profile: Jarod Parsons

Oconto Falls senior flashing potential on offense

OCONTO FALLS — Jarod Parsons is a strong defender for the Oconto Falls High School boys basketball team, helping take on opposing team’s top players. The senior has also shown the ability to rack up the points on the offensive end of the court over the recent weeks.

Parsons scored 18 points in the team’s North Eastern Conference win over Fox Valley Lutheran on Jan. 21, tallying 13 of those in the first half. He led the Panthers with 16 points in a loss to Clintonville on Jan. 17.

The Oconto Falls senior often gets his points by attacking the basket, either finishing amongst traffic or getting to the free-throw line.

Parsons’ wingspan creates problems for opponents on the dribble and when pulling up for shots.

“Jarod has been a good leader in practice and games,” said Oconto Falls coach Gary Regal. “Jarod and Joey Walters split time guarding the top offensive player on the other team, and he has embraced that challenge. Jarod also has had some very big games offensively and has carried his team through stretches.”

Q: When did your interest in basketball begin?

A: My interest in basketball started in kindergarten when I would go to skills camps on the weekends with the high schoolers. I started playing my first games in third grade and have been in basketball ever since.

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

A: My favorite part about the season is having the opportunity to be out on the court starting with three of the guys (Joey Walters, Mitchell Manns and Zach Parsons) I’ve been playing with my whole life.

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

A: My main goal is just to keep improving my play and helping out my team in whatever ways I can. As a senior, I have to be a leader for the team on and off the court to be successful.

Q: As the season winds down, what kind of things does the team need to keep doing and improving upon?

A: Our team needs to keep playing how we want to play and to dictate the game. We need to limit turnovers, grab more rebounds and knock down our free throws to improve our play.

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

A: My favorite memory as part of the basketball team would have to be when I dunked the ball on a fastbreak in a game against FVL (Fox Valley Lutheran on Jan. 21). The reaction from the crowd was amazing.

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

A: Basketball is my favorite sport, and I am going to miss playing with the guys I have grown up with. Sports have been a big part of my life up to this point, and I’m going to definitely miss playing.

Q: You recently won the Packers Halftime Quarterback Challenge with Mitchell Manns and Joey Walters. What was that experience like?

A: The experience was absolutely surreal. We were able to watch the last 10 minutes of the first half from on the field and were able to witness a Hail Mary pass right to us. Then in the Quarterback Challenge, we made sure not to slip and to let Joey throw his hardest. We went on to beat three other teams and were proud to represent our football program and community at the Packer game.

Q: Favorite TV show, movie and musical artist?

A: TV show — “The Office.” Movie — “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Music — Rap or ’80s rock.

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

A: I am afraid of heights.

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

A: I enjoy hunting and fishing and all around being outdoors.

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

A: Leave everything on the court and play every game like it’s your last.

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

A: After graduating high school, I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I can earn my bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. I hope to continue playing sports after high school as well.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Jarod Parsons

Sport: Boys basketball

Position: Small forward

School: Oconto Falls High School

Year: Senior