Thilee Anderson shoots for a 3-pointer. Photo: Katy Haupt
I recently caught up with VI’s Tihlee Anderson the starting Guard for our Men’s Basketball team. At 5’10 Tihlee “The Rocket Man” Anderson plays like a giant, stomping his way down the court wreaking havoc for the opposing team’s defense. Tihlee is one of the Cobra’s consistent scorers but more importantly, he rips through defenses with his ability to set his teammates up for a malicious dunk or an open three. I sat down with Mr. Anderson to see if I could crack into the mind of this speedy spaceman.
Q. So how do you feel the team has done so far this season compared to last season?
A. We were very young last season and we’re still pretty young but we’ve taken big steps to get better.
Q. How is the team playing together?
A. I think we’re playing really good team ball. There really isn’t anyone who’s playing as an individual. We’re playing great as a team.
Q. What are your goals as a team and as an individual player on the team?
A. We would love to win the rest of our regular season games and win the Conference tournament. We really want to win our conference! For myself as a player, I just want to keep my teammates involved in games and help them play better.
Q. Here’s a fun question, what would you rather end a game with: the most steals, points, or assists?
A. Assists most definitely. I could care less if I score a point. I don’t really worry about scoring; I’m more concerned about keeping my teammates involved.
Q. One more fun question, in the final seconds of a game and you need to score for the win, who do you pass the ball to for that final shot?
A. [Laughs] That’s a good one. To be honest I’d pass it to anybody that’s open. Maybe I’d pass it to someone who had a hot hand that night but if you are near the basket, you’ll get the ball.
Q. What team this season do you look forward to playing most?
A. Anybody on the schedule. I like playing tough teams mostly because they make you play harder.
Q. Final question: What inspires you to play basketball?
A. Well you got to have love for the game that’s for sure. My family had been very supportive of my passion for basketball since I was real young. Basketball is also something I can use to get away from the outside world. Once I’m between those lines I’m on my own planet.
Tihlee has definitely been playing on his own planet, helping the team to a .400 record this season. The team has a good supporting cast with junior Guard, Jimmie Ross playing a vicious offensive and defensive game, Scotty Hendricks adding more speed to the court, and senior “Q” Knight throwing some power into the team’s play scheme. Senior Wade Bryant adds versatility in the scoring category and last but not least freshman Daniel Ross creates a fiery temperament which gives the team a swagger that no team can compete with. The Cobra’s bench is also as deep as they come and when put on the court, they play just as well as the team’s starters. All in all, VI’s Men’s basketball team is going to win more games and do it with style. Tihlee and the Cobras are starting their countdown to success in ten… nine… eight….
