By Ivy Knapp
For East Central senior Tre Bruner, basketball is more than a sport, it’s a place where lasting connections seem to fall into place.
“All the relationships I’ve built have made East Central the most special,” Tre said. “Relationships with coaches, teachers, teammates, classmates. Those are what make it all worth it.”
Tre has been at East Central for two years, but in that short time, he’s made a big impact. As the team’s point guard, he takes joy in being a leader on and off the court. “I play point guard,” he said. “I like being the one to set the pace and get everyone involved.”
When it comes to favorite places to play, Tre is fast to respond. “My favorite place to play has to be the Big House,” he said. “It has the type of atmosphere you just can’t recreate.”
That kind of energy keeps him loving the game, especially when he’s out there with teammates who want it just as bad as he does.
“I love how all of my teammates are always in the gym. We have a team full of gym rats,” he said.
Tre gives his grandfather credit for motivating him.
“He’s been very influential in my life,” Tre shared. “He’s who I would want to resemble as a man in the future.”
Outside of basketball, Tre keeps himself busy. He serves as Sergeant-at-Arms in student council, is part of FCA, and competes in track. His favorite subject is English, where he gets to be creative.
“I enjoy writing poetry,” he said. “And my favorite teacher is Mr. Jackson.”
Before every game, Tre has a pre-game ritual that helps him get in the right mindset. “I read a book called The Coffee Bean before every game,” he said. “It reminds me to be the energy that changes the environment around me.”
Looking ahead, Tre plans to continue his basketball career in college while majoring in real estate. And when he looks back, one memory stands above the rest. “Playing in New York,” he said. “That’s something I’ll never forget.”
