MOUNTAIN PINE -- Mountain Pine senior small forward Jakob Walpole is a "workhorse," Red Devils head coach Jeremy Hildreth said, who always gives 100% in practice and games.
"I grew up with his dad," Hildreth said. "He reminds me a whole lot of his dad. I played basketball with Josh, his father, who actually helps me coach as well. Just seeing my buddy's kid growing up and getting to coach him has been great. For me, it's nostalgia, playing basketball with his dad and now I'm coaching his son. So Jakob's pretty awesome."
Walpole recently met with The Sentinel-Record to discuss life off the court.
What do you like most about playing basketball?
I like the tempo and being able to go up and down the court.
What is your most memorable moment playing basketball?
Last year on senior night, it was a double overtime game and I helped us secure the win.
When did you start playing basketball competitively?
I started playing competitive basketball probably in third grade.
What is your main strength on the court?
I've got to say probably my defense and my hustle ability.
Who is your all-time favorite athlete (in any sport)?
It's between Mike Trout and LeBron James.
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to play baseball a lot. Other sports... I also like to fish. I'm on the fishing team, so that's pretty cool.
Are you more afraid of the doctor or the dentist?
Dentist
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Let's go with a night owl.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Extroverted
If you could hang out with any famous person, past or present, for a day, who would that be?
Morgan Freeman
If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go?
Italy
What is your favorite restaurant?
I like SQZBX (Brewery & Pizza Joint). I get the meat lover's pizza, which is pretty bomb.
What is your most unpopular food opinion?
Ranch is definitely not good for pizza.
What one person is your biggest inspiration?
I've got to say my parents because they pushed me to strive for what I could be.
What is one item you cannot live without (other than your cellphone)?
I'd probably have to say baseball. It's not an item, but it's just a part of me. Sports, really, shaped who I am.
What is the last television series that you binge-watched, or are currently watching?
The last TV show I probably watched is "Loki."
What is your all-time favorite movie?
"V for Vendetta"
What is your go-to emoji?
Thumbs up. I use it all the time.
What is your favorite color?
Purple
How would you spend a million dollars?
I'd set a lot of it aside for college. Then save the rest and buy a house maybe. Keep some of it for the future.
Do you have a secret talent?
I can fish pretty well. Pretty darn good.
Name something about you that most people would be surprised to learn.
With all the sports I play, I've never broken a single bone.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Asking questions people already know the answer to.
What is the most random fact you know?
Moldy cheese is expensive apparently.
What is your favorite class in school?
Math
What are your plans after graduation and what type of career do you plan to pursue?
I want to go into a teaching career. I want to be a teacher.