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Helena High School basketball player Kevin Pinkard shares what inspires him to give it his all on the court.

What inspired you to start playing basketball?
What inspired me to play basketball was just the hard work and grind you have to put into the sport.

 

You also play football for Helena. How do you balance playing both sports as well as your classwork and other activities?
The way I balance both football and basketball is just having a schedule and managing my time like knowing when I need to get my work done so I can still watch film and perform well.

 

What was it like playing in the Final Four with the basketball team last year, and how has that motivated you going into this season?
Playing in the Final Four was a great experience and was great for our school because we made history. It motivates me to just want to work hard enough to get back there.

 

What is your favorite part about playing basketball at Helena?
My favorite part about playing Helena basketball is the community. They really come out and our student section really comes out to support us every game.

 

Has there ever been a coach or mentor that made a big impact on you? What did they teach you?
Three big coaches have made a big impact while being at Helena. First, coach (Richie) Busby. He’s always been here for me and knew my potential as soon as I came in as a freshman. Second, coach (Jim) Elgin. He’s really built me up as a young man and was a big impact in my football career at Helena, and last, coach (Lucas) McDonald. He came in and gave us a new opportunity to see how far we can go in the season and motivates us every day to just keep going. Also, my first mentor coach Dangerfield impacted my life.

 

What do you like to do in your free time outside of school and sports?
In my free time, I love to play video games or hang with my friends.

 

As a senior, what legacy do you hope to leave behind at Helena High School?
I want my legacy to be hard working and never quit, very energetic and through the ups and downs, I push through and put my best foot forward.