Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Oliver Boyle

Oliver Boyle is a sophomore guard on the Sarasota High boys basketball team. Boyle scored 15 points on Dec. 16 in the Sailors' 62-24 home victory over Lakewood Ranch High. 

When did you start playing basketball?

I started playing seriously in seventh grade. I have been on and off between basketball, soccer and football for most of my life. In middle school I decided to play AAU basketball, and since then it has been my main sport. 

What is the appeal to you?

It's about family. I have a lot of close friends in the people who go here and are on the team, as well as people I've met on past teams. Basketball just creates a different kind of brotherhood. 

What is your best skill?

I'm kind of like a coach on the court. I take the coaches' words and spread it to our players during a game, especially when it's loud and people are not even thinking on the floor. 

What have you been working to improve?

I have been working on my shot, my outside game. I'm always trying to get more shots up so I can catch-and-shoot or shoot off the dribble. 

What is your favorite memory?

My eighth-grade year, my team won the middle school basketball championship. I think we went 9-0. That whole year was a great memory. 

What has led to the Sailors' strong start?

We have changed our mentality this year. The coaches have helped us go from 'me, me, me' to 'we, we, we.' Everything we do is about each other. We're not playing for ourselves but for our teammates and coaches. Like I said before, this sport is all about family. That's what I love about it. 

What is your favorite food?

I love me a cheeseburger. Just American cheese and cooked medium rare. 

What is your favorite movie?

I love all the 'Star Wars' movies. 

What is your favorite subject?

I like both environmental management and math. 

Which superpower would you pick?

I want to fly. I'm 15 so I can't drive yet. Being able to fly would make things easier for me. 

What is the best advice you have received?

How you hold yourself matters. Who you are in life is more important than what you do on the court or on the field. 

Finish this sentence: "Oliver Boyle is …"

A leader.