This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
01/30/2019 11:00 PMWhether he’s on the basketball court or in the classroom, Kevin Fasulo always strives to be the best version of himself at Valley Regional High School. This approach has earned Kevin the role of senior captain and a starting guard for the Valley boys’ basketball team, which has already qualified for the Division V State Tournament with its record of 9-3. In his final campaign, Kevin wants to help the Warriors make some noise during the postseason this year.
Kevin says it was a special moment when he was selected as one of Valley’s captains. Kevin earned that title after leading the Warriors by example through his game preparation and offseason conditioning.
“I’m pretty proud of becoming a captain. I think that’s a role I was destined to be throughout my years at Valley,” Kevin says. “I was on the varsity squad my freshman year, and I’ve always respected the way other captains led the team. I’ve done a lot of work during the season and out of the season to get to where I am.”
Kevin’s offseason routine saw him put up a plenty of shots on a daily basis. He wanted to improve his jump shot to help create more space on offense and provide an outlet when the paint gets clogged. Kevin’s effort paid off, and now he’s averaging 9.7 points per game to go along with 3.6 rebounds, two assists, and 2.9 steals on the season.
“This whole summer, I tried to up my training. I was taking hundreds of shots a day. I want to be a knock-down shooter. I want that to be my role that continues every game,” says Kevin, who lives in Ivoryton. “I think I’m more confident in my pull-up than trying to beat someone to the rim. I try to beat people with a change of speed, or maybe a jab step and then into a pull-up.”
One of Kevin’s responsibilities as a captain is making sure that his teammates understand the Warriors’ schemes. However, it’s also important to Kevin that everyone does their best away from the court. That’s why he tries to set the standard in that department, as well.
“I feel like a big part of being captain is leading by example. I’m generally a quiet person,” Kevin says. “I try to lead by example by getting good grades, and I try to be the best person I can be, so others can follow in that role.”
Kevin also takes it upon himself to handle additional duties in Valley’s offseason basketball training camps. The camps provide a chance for teammates to jell and get some practice without the scheduling pressures of the season. They also serve as a way to reinforce basketball knowledge by teaching younger players the game.
“I help organize the basketball camps. I look over the part of who can actually come and help. I try to get everyone together,” says Kevin. “I usually look for people who’ve been in the program the longest to come out, but I want everyone to come out and put shots up. It helps to build on the chemistry, and I love helping out and teaching kids at the camps.”
Head Coach Kevin Woods marvels at everything Kevin does to help the Warriors perform to their potential. Woods says that Kevin’s effort goes beyond what takes place come game time.
“Kevin’s a well-rounded player who helps us in many ways, and he conducts himself well both on and off the court. He’s one of the top kids in his class,” Woods says. “He’s a true leader and organizes everything, including the summer and fall league clinics. He’s a great teacher of the game and works with the young kids. He’s pretty amazing.”
Kevin feels grateful for everyone who’s helped him rise up the ranks in the Valley boys’ basketball program. Kevin says he owes a lot to Coach Woods for giving him the opportunity to succeed.
“I have to say Coach Woods is the biggest part of my success. He gave me a chance as a freshman, and he tried to find me playing time,” says Kevin, who also thanks his parents, David and Lisa Fasulo. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him giving me a chance at such a young age.”