The Harlingen South Hawks have been playing some solid basketball the past few weeks and a big reason for that is senior point guard Aaron Briones.
The Hawks will be part of this weekend’s Tri-City Classic in the PSJA area before they begin district play next week. The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Briones.
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Q: So far, how has your senior season been going? Has it hit you yet that this is your last season?
A: It’s been very hectic and stressful, but it’s been fun. It didn’t hit me until we lost our first game this season and I realized that I’d never be able to play that game again and change the outcome.
Q: What where some things you worked on this past offseason that helped you raise your game?
A: I worked on my inside game. My go-to moves to penetrate, my jump shot and I got stronger and bigger over the offseason.
Q: Talk to me about your injury and the recovery process?
A: I tore my ACL (last season) and had a partial tear of my meniscus in last year’s playoff game against Edinburg High. I was thankful to have such a great training staff and coaches that helped me recover, and got me to the doctors. My recovery time was 4-6 weeks and I started physical therapy the morning after my surgery. I memorized my workouts and worked hard to get back on the court over the next few months.
Q: How much did it motivate you to come back stronger?
A: I don’t think I found motivation in my injury. I truly believe me getting closer with God in high school is the only reason I could come back this fast and play at this level again.
Q: Right now the Hawks are in the middle of tournament play. What is the best part about playing so many games in just a few days?
A: The best part is building the chemistry with your teammates. All these games bring us together, and over all you get a chance to get better as an individual and as a team.
Q: Who is your favorite basketball player and why?
A: My favorite player is Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics. He has a killer mindset and has unbelievable ball-handling skills along with his dedication and perseverance to be the best.
Q: Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know?
A: A lot of people don’t know I tore my right ACL the weekend before my first district game when I was in 8th grade. I missed almost two years because one year I was too young to play and the second year was because of my injury.
Q: Do you have a pre-game music playlist?
A: I don’t have a specific playlist, but for some odd reason I like to listen to slow, sad music. However, my go-to songs are by Ice Tray and “Run up the Racks” by 21 Savage.
Q: Would you rather swim or fly?
A: I would rather fly because drowning is one of my biggest fears. I would want to fly because I like to travel and I would be able to explore new places.
Q: If you could have dinner with anyone in history who would it be and why?
A: It would be Jesus Christ because of the fact that he is the only one that can answer any question, and because I’m a curious individual.
