by Jared Grafenauer
Horizon Reporter
Basketball is a game of teamwork. If every player is on the same page, then the team will thrive. The people who instill this trait are the team captains. Being named the team captain means you have the most responsibility. You are in charge of leading the team and setting a good example for your teammates.
What does it take to be the captain of Whatcom Community College’s basketball teams? The men’s co-captain Jordan Nicholes, and the women’s co-captain Ashley Honeycutt are the right people to ask.
Jordan Nicholes
Age: 20
Hometown: Sultan, WA
High School: Sultan High School
Year: Sophomore
Q: What past experiences have prepared you for your role as a team captain?
A: I was a two-year captain in high school. I also learned a lot of leadership in my first year at Whatcom. College is a lot different than high school and coach (Scrimsher) has taught me a lot about how to deal with it.
Q: How do you believe team chemistry affects the play of the team?
A: I think we have great team chemistry. We are not just friends on the court, but off the court too. Everybody has bought into the idea that if we all use our talents as one, then we are going to be really successful as a team.
Q: When did you realize you wanted to play basketball?
A: I was probably in second grade. At a young age I learned a lot from watching my older siblings. That is when I decided I wanted to play for as long as I can.
Q: Why did you choose Whatcom?
A: Definitely the coaching staff. On my first visit here, they made me feel really welcome. They have a positive, winning atmosphere. They made me feel comfortable right off the bat.
Q: How is your role on this team different from your role in high school?
A: In high school, I basically had to do everything for us to win. On this team, I have a job and as long as I do it, I can trust that my teammates will do their role and we will be successful.
Q: How does the game change once you play in college?
A: The speed of the game has definitely changed. Everybody is stronger and more athletic because they want to be able to move on to the next level.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the future?
A: I just want to play for as long as I can. Definitely for a four year university. I want to play basketball- that is my motivation.
Ashley Honeycutt
Age: 19
Hometown: Ferndale, WA
High School: Ferndale High School
Year: Sophomore
Q: What past experiences have prepared you for your role as a team captain?
A: When I was a senior in high school, I was a team captain. I’m not really a vocal captain; I just work really hard and lead by example.
Q: How do you believe team chemistry affects the play of the team?
A: I think that in order to have a winning season, your team has to work really well together and be really close; basically like a family.
Q: When did you realize you wanted to play basketball?
A: I started playing in fifth grade. My dad is really into basketball so he taught me pretty much everything I need to know and I loved it from the very beginning.
Q: Why did you choose Whatcom?
A: I played at Louis and Clark State last year and I didn’t like it so I decided to come back here. It is someplace close to home so I am more familiar with it.
Q: How is your role on this team different from your role in high school?
A: It is actually pretty much the same. In high school I was the go-to player and here I am looked to be a rebounder and a starter.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the future?
A: I am going to go to BTC to study dental hygiene, but if I get a basketball scholarship, I will end up playing somewhere else. If I get the chance, I want to play for the next few years.
