Athlete Spotlight: James Wood boys' basketball player Ethan Abbott

James Wood High School 17-year-old senior

Sport: Basketball. Position: Guard

Parents: Melissa Hamman and Jeremy Abbott

Hometown: Winchester

What do you love about basketball?: I love just how fun and how competitive it is.

Most memorable moment in basketball: Going to camp over the summer with the team and playing three or four games a day. It was Pennsylvania.

Most embarrassing moment in basketball: Just shooting an air ball in a game.

Most difficult moment in basketball: It's definitely the mental side. It's a longer season than most sports and you've got to keep your head in it throughout the whole season. When we have our practices, all weekends and over Christmas break, I try to stay positive and joke around with my teammates to keep everybody laughing and all of that.

Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: My great-grandfather [Whitacre], because I didn't get to talk to him much. I heard he was a great person; Kobe Bryant, because he's such an inspiration for everybody. It would be such an interesting conversation; Tim Tebow, he's interesting, a Christian guy, and just a great guy. I'd like to have a conversation with him.

Who is your biggest athletic influence?: Tim Tebow, because I used to play football. At Florida, he went through a lot and he's a big Christian guy. He's pushed through a lot of adversity.

Favorite teacher: Miss [Carrie] Stephanites. She's funny and always keeping class interesting. I've had her for a study hall class and science as well.

Favorite athlete: Dak Prescott

Favorite sports team: Dallas Cowboys

Favorite movie: “The Fast and the Furious”

Favorite TV show: “Love Island”

Favorite song: “Fifth of May” by Zach Bryan

Favorite food: Honey barbecue boneless chicken wings at Buffalo Wild Wings

Worst thing you’ve eaten: Grits.

Plans after high school: I want go to college to be a P.E. teacher. My mom is a teacher and I want to get into coaching, so that's just the easy realm. And, they get their summers and holidays off. [For coaching], I just love the sport and I love to help people even more.

— Compiled by Walt Moody