The San Luis Obispo High School varsity boys basketball is beginning its third season with Junior Carson Leedom.

  “Carson is one of the top players on the Central Coast, and he has worked tirelessly to improve his game. He will be a focal point for our team this year offensively, defensively, and as a leader.  As great of a basketball player as he is, he is an even better young man,” said varsity coach and SLOHS Athletic Director Jeff Brandow.

  Playing small forward, Leedom will be on the court hoping to lead the Tigers deep into CIF. In an 84-77 win against Morro Bay High School last night, Leedom scored 17 points. Expressions interviewed Leedom about his experiences on varsity and hopes for his basketball future.

Expressions: Talk to me a little bit about the small forward position that you play.

Junior Carson Leedom: Small forward is the guy that can bring the ball up, shoot the ball, and play inside and outside the key.  He’s just kind of a combo position.

Expressions: And you started at small forward for the Tigers for all three years that you’ve played on varsity?

Leedom: For my freshman and sophomore years, I played center. Now for my junior year, I play small forward.

Expressions: So, last season, what were your stats?

Leedom: I averaged about 18 points, six assists, and eight rebounds a game.

Expressions: What do you do to get ready for a game?

Leedom: I get released from school around 2:30 p.m., go home with some friends, and we eat for an hour and a half.

Expressions: What do you eat? Do you drink any sports drinks?

Leedom: Peanut butter and jelly. And I drink a lot of water.

Expressions: What does basketball teach you about life?

Leedom: It teaches you about adversity. When you are down by 15 points, you have to mentally push through and overcome it, like life.

Expressions: Besides the fact that you need to go out and crush Mission, what are your plans for this year and beyond?

Leedom: The team goal for the season is always to win the CIF title. My dream would be a full ride to a school like Nevada, Reno.

Expressions: Do you guys have it together as a team this year?

Leedom: As a team, we have more talent. Standouts include seniors Connor Torell and Addason Wright, and me.