Evan Neff (2020) – An Interview
It’s the postseason, and the Kingston Cardinals are ready to make some noise. The Cardinals have flown under the radar all year long, winning the North Central Thumb League’s Stars Division and posting an overall record of 16-3. Two of…
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Continue ReadingIt’s the postseason, and the Kingston Cardinals are ready to make some noise.
The Cardinals have flown under the radar all year long, winning the North Central Thumb League’s Stars Division and posting an overall record of 16-3. Two of those three losses came against teams in higher divisions.
Behind their big three of Hunter James (2019), Nathan Cloyd (2019) and Evan Neff (2020), Kingston and head coach Dave Lester are prepped to make a run deep into the Division 4 tournament. Last season the Cardinals run was cut short by a three-point Regional loss to State Quarterfinalist International Academy of Flint. This time around, Kingston is hungry and determined for more.
We sat down with Neff before the Cardinals district semifinal matchup with Mayville to find out a little more about him and his squad.
What did you do to prepare for your junior season?
EN: Prior to my ankle injury, I was in the gym constantly working on my game. Also a huge way I prepared myself was Spring/Summer AAU with the Michigan Warriors.
What are some of the goals your team has for this season?
Evan Neff (2020) – KingstonEN: We have pretty lofty goals for this team. We won our league. Now we want to win a district, a regional, and fight for a spot at the Breslin.
Individually, what are some of your goals for this season?
EN: Individually, I have many goals set for myself, but above all I want to come to practice every single day and be the hardest worker, best teammate, and best leader I can be
What would you say is the biggest strength in your game?
EN: My overall scoring ability, especially my 3-pt shooting.
What do you need to improve on the most in order to take your game to the next level?
EN: My explosiveness and quickness.
Who, or what, motivates you to work harder, both on and off the court?
EN: Mainly myself. I’m very motivated to be the best player I can be.
When chatting it up with a college-level coach, what would you say you can bring to his program?
EN: I want them to know that I’m extremely dedicated to my game and I have an ever-growing skill-set, among other things.
Who is the toughest player you’ve ever had to match up against?
EN: Rocket Watts (SPIRE Institute – Geneva, OH)
Most memorable moment/game of your high school career thus far?
EN: Not necessarily one game, mostly I love the improvement of our team from my freshman to sophomore year. Went from 12-8 to 20-4
If you had to compare your game to one player in college or the NBA, who would it be?
EN: A mix of a lot of players but honestly when I watch Joe Ingles (Utah Jazz) I see a lot of flashes of my game in his.
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
EN:I like them all for the most part, but history would probably be my favorite, it just really interests me
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
EN: I always jump rope in the locker room and listen to music