Athlete Profile: Zach Parsons

OCONTO FALLS — Every basketball team loves to have outside shooters, but another big key to the success of a basketball team is having a post player who can score in the paint and defend the rim. Zach Parsons serves as Oconto Falls’ big man.

Parsons is a nice compliment to the Panthers’ outside shooters, doing almost all of his work on offense near the basket. On defense, Parsons is able to alter shots and pull in several rebounds with his tall frame and long arms.

“Zach has been a very good leader by example in practice. He continues to get better as a post player each week,” said Oconto Falls coach Gary Regal. “I have been very pleased with his help-side defense and communication defensively. Zach is a senior but is a player I wish I had more years to work with. His top quality is he is a great young man off and on the court.”

The senior scored 13 points in the team’s North Eastern Conference win over Marinette on Jan. 6. In a setback to Luxemburg-Casco on Dec. 20, Parsons provided 18 points, with 14 of them coming in the second half. The big man helped the team take down Denmark on Dec. 6, scoring 16 points.

Q: When did your interest in basketball begin?

A: Ever since I’ve been little, basketball has always been my favorite sport to play and watch.

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

A: The intensity and enjoyment of playing with my friends on the court.

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

A: I want to make a deep run in the playoffs along with an all-conference award. Taking every practice seriously and doing what is right in games will help me accomplish these goals.

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

A: Great! As soon as coach got the job at the end of last year, he met with us right away to discuss our plan. We got to work immediately in the summer, developing players to better themselves.

Q: As a post player, your body takes a beating in just about every game. How do you prepare for that each game and then recover in between games?

A: Making sure I’ve been lifting in the offseason has been a key part. It helps a lot when you can take hits from other guys through screens and box outs.

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

A: Almost beating Denmark late in the year (2018-19 season; Oconto Falls lost on a buzzer beater), on the year they went to state.

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

A: Playing the game I love with my friends beside me.

Q: Favorite TV show, movie and musical artist?

A: TV show — Anything comedy. Movie — “Billy Madison.” Musical artist — any rap or rock music.

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

A: I hate spiders!

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

A: I love to golf and spend time with friends.

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

A: Leave it on the floor.

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

A: I plan on attending college to pursue a business degree.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Zach Parsons

Sport: Boys basketball

Position: Center

School: Oconto Falls High School

Year: Senior