As the student section roars on the bleachers, number 13 on the court racks up another point. “He’s a freshman!” they chant in unison. Freshman Cameron Ryans is the only freshman on the boys varsity basketball team, and he’s making a name for himself.
While moving from the middle school level to the varsity level was a challenge at first, Ryans continues to build his on court performance to prepare himself for the change.
“As soon as I came here, it was fast, especially with how we play,” Ryans said. “At first, in [the summer league] it was hard for me to adjust, but now I’m adjusting well.”
Ryans is no stranger to the commitment of playing at a higher level. Ryans started playing basketball in Kindergarten but after leaving Grand Rapids Christian in seventh grade, Ryans moved to the district and started to play seriously within the sport.
Third-grade Cam Ryans (right) earns the 2017 American Youth basketball tour National Championship title. He has been playing the sport since kindergarten. Photo courtesy of Ryans.
“That’s when I really understood that I was pretty good at basketball, and I could do this,” Ryans said.
Despite the average two hours a day dedicated to practice this season, Ryans additionally lifts weights after practice and works with a personal trainer two times a week.
“Cam is one of the hardest working players we have ever had here at Northview,” head coach David Chana said. “His dedication to his body and craft exceeds what we expect out of our varsity players.”
Ryans is purposeful with his training during practice, consistently showing up everyday and working just as hard as his teammates.
“[Ryans is] essentially a sponge,” senior David Snow said. “When anyone is talking, [he is] absorbing everything he can pick up on.”
Not only does Ryans commit to the sport, but he is dedicated to give all his effort towards his team.
“As a player, Cam is all about the team, and he knows what it takes to win and is willing to do it,” Snow said. “Playing with him is comfortable to say the least, because you know he has your back.”
Ryans works side by side with his older brother, junior EJ Ryans. At a young age, Ryans looked up to his sibling and was ultimately inspired to follow after him.
“He’s influenced me a lot,” Ryans said. “There [have been] times on the court where he passes up plays for me to get a play in, because he really wants me to be the best I can [be].”
The brothers relentlessly pursue their love for the sport and their support for one another. Their brotherly connection on the court is seen and proves to be highly beneficial for the team.
“It’s fun to watch Cam and EJ play together. You can tell that they are brothers,” Chana said. “They communicate very well and know where each other are at all times.”
With a constant push from his brother, Ryans is additionally supported by his head coach Chana.
“Chana has taught me a lot of life lessons, not just in basketball but off the court. He’s had a lot of experience in his life already,” Ryans said. “Even on days I don’t want to go to the gym, he gets me in there, tells me to lift and pushes me to my limits.”
Ryans never fails to show his commitment to the team and plans to keep working diligently for the remainder of this season and his next three years at Northview.
“I’m just very thankful for the opportunity,” Ryans said.
