By Ivy Knapp
Micah Betchan, a senior, has been around basketball for a long period of his life. “I started playing basketball because my friends played,” he said. “It just looked fun, and I wanted to be part of it.”
What began as something enjoyable quickly grew into something much more meaningful to him.
“What motivates me to keep playing is my love for the game. There’s also been a lot of people pouring into me, and I want to make it worth something.”
Micah plays both point guard and shooting guard, which gives him the freedom to do what he loves most.
“I enjoy shooting and making plays,” he said. “I like setting people up, but I also like being that guy who can hit a big shot when we need it.”
When asked about his most memorable moment, one game came quickly to his mind. “When we played Lincoln Christian and I had 14 points,” he said. “It was one of those nights where everything felt good.”
But even in intense games, Micah knows how to stay calm. “I pray, stay mentally locked in, and trust in the work I’ve put in,” he said. “That’s what gets me through.”
Balancing classes and basketball can be tough, especially with college courses. “The hardest part of being a student athlete is making time to study,” Micah said. “You have to be disciplined. I try to set a time for both each day so I don’t fall behind.”
He’s quick to give his coach credit for helping him grow. “Coach Haith has had the biggest influence on my basketball career,” he said. “He’s been with me since my freshman year and has been a big part of my skill development.”
When talking about his team, Micah feels great about his teammates. “What makes our team special is that we play well together. We can all shoot, and we’re unselfish,” he said. “We just trust each other.”
His goal for this season is clear.
“I want us to make it to state.” After graduation, Micah plans to keep doing what he loves. “I want to play college basketball and get my psych degree,” he said. “That’s the plan.”
