The Basketball Interview…with Jake Paper
Fargo Davies forward Jake Paper is one of the top producers back from a team that is a favorite to win state. He joined us for The Basketball Interview…
At your school, what is your favorite part or parts about game days in terms of the routine leading up to the game?
“The best part about game days is the excitement and anticipation building up to the game that night. The whole team is excited for the game and to get out and play. The best part in my opinion is heading to the locker room pregame to put on the uniform and having the speakers bumping some pump up music.”
What makes your crowd unique? What is a memorable thing that they’ve done that you will always remember?
“The crowd and student section that supports Davies is unbelievable. We always have a good crowd, no matter the game, and a lot of them make the trips, like to Bismarck for the state tournament in March.”
Who is your biggest rival and what about them makes the rivalry both heated and memorable?
“I think our team’s biggest rivalry is Sheyenne High School. They are a good team and they always make for an interesting game. The close schools draw a huge crowd and it’s just a fun basketball atmosphere.”
Who is your favorite basketball player in the world and why?
“My favorite basketball player is Karl Anthony Towns. The way he plays and his physicality, he’s just a really fun player to watch. I love to watch and learn from him when he’s on the court.”
What brand of gear or type of gear are you partial to?
“My favorite brand is Nike. I have Nike shoes, socks, compression shorts, and whatever else I need.”
What is your favorite venue to play basketball in that you’ve played in?
“My favorite venue I’ve played in is the Bismarck Civic Center during state. It was really fun to play in such a large arena.”
What court that you haven’t played on would you dream of playing on?
“I’m most excited to play and the new Sanford Health Athletic Complex where NDSU plays. We’ll be the first high school teams to play in there for the EDC tournament and it will be new for everybody.”
Explain the relationship varsity players have at your school with youth players?
“Our varsity players are very included with the youth players. We always help out at youth camps and youth tournaments, so we get to know a lot of the younger kids.”
Best coaching advice you’ve received is what and who was it from?
“The best coaching advice I have received was from Hunter Reinke, one of our assistant coaches, who told me to kick myself into a new gear. It’s a new year and I needed to create more scoring options for myself, and he helped me realize what I needed to do.”
Who is your basketball influence?
“My basketball influence is my dad. He’s been there teaching and coaching me for almost 14 years now. He got me into the gym everyday when I was a kid and created me into the player I am today.”