To be a success, athletes must be willing to put in the work. That is exactly what JV basketball player Jonah Escoto has been doing for the past 4 years. He has played for Shadow Ridge High School for the past two years, as well as in middle school for club teams. He began playing because he thought it was fun to watch, and could imagine how much more fun it would be to play in real life. Once he started, he couldn’t stop. As a starter on the freshman team last year, Escoto knew that this is what he wanted to play for the rest of his high school career. Junior varsity is right on his path to varsity, and has high hopes for varsity success.

Escoto’s biggest role model is #3 Jordan Poole, point guard for the Golden State Warriors. He looks up to him because of his success on Escoto’s favorite team and the example he sets for Escoto in his postition. Escoto described the amount of “swag” Poole exemplifies, and loves how much “mad skill” he has.

“I hope to be just like him one day,” Escoto explained.

To stay in shape, Escoto practices at least every other day, at least 4 days a week, if not sometimes every single day, forging the path for improvement. He also works out at least every two days, at least 3 days a week, to become stronger, improve his size for defense, and fight the fatigue caused by constant training.

Although he is only 5’5, he does not let his height disadvantages stop him.

“I won’t lie about my height,” Escoto said. “As long as you put in the work, you can make it no matter what stumbling block moves in your path.”

This mentality is exactly what Escoto puts into play on the Shadow Ridge court. He is a valuable teammate and tries his best to be there for the other players. He loves to build connections with teammates. He has said that although he loves how this year’s basketball team has turned out, the bond between teammates needs to improve for more success.

Escoto’s ultimate goal, however, is to make it to varsity. Junior and varsity player Aiden Maynor has been playing with Escoto for a long time and has seen his improvement.

“I’m happy that he keeps trying to be his best,” Maynor said. “I can’t wait to play with him and the other JV players on varsity.”