Work hard at everything you do to be the best you can be.
That’s the sound advice Ian Colbourne’s parents, Tammy and John, preached to him as a youngster growing up in Deer Lake, and it’s encouragement that resonated with him to the point he’s trying to take the same attitude in life.
Colbourne, a 16-year-old Level 2 student, is an offensive force for the Elwood High School entry in the 2018 West Coast Provincial Grade 11 Boys’ Basketball Tournament being held this weekend at Copper Ridge Academy in Baie Verte.
Teams from Pasadena Academy, Templeton Academy in Meadows, Viking Trail Academy in Plum Point and Exploits Valley High in Grand Falls-Windsor are also competing for the title.
He learned from his parents that a strong work ethic is a key to success in all facets of life, and he firmly believes it’s pointless to go at anything unless you are willing to put your heart into it.
“I like to strive to be the best in anything I do, whether that be work or school,” Colbourne said Thursday afternoon. “I always try to do my best and put in 100 per cent, and I always keep that in mind when I’m on the court.”
Considered a big threat from the three-point range, Colbourne is co-captain of the team, with Christopher Pinksen, so being a leader on the floor is part of his role, but being an offensive contributor is where he feels he can be an impact player for his side.
“Putting up points is what I need to do in order for our team to succeed,” he said.
He’s been playing the game since Grade 6. It was a sport that he embraced from the first dribble of the ball because it provided a lot of fun and a bunch of people who he not only calls teammates but friends.
“I always loved the game. As soon as I started playing it I got right attached, and I’ve been playing it ever since and having fun,” he said.
He believes in his teammates. He believes in coach Jim Feltham. He believes in himself.
A confident young man ready to lead the charge in Baie Verte.
