York basketball player Nick Trapani is the Athlete of the Week sponsored by Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group

Nick Trapani

York

Basketball

Senior

What he did: Trapani scored all of his team-high 15 points on five 3-pointers in the second half of a 61-59 loss against Oak Park-River Forest on Dec. 13.

A lefty with a quick release, Nick Trapani is a dangerous long-distance shooter. He showed just how dangerous he can be as he poured in 15 points in the second half of a West Suburban Silver game against Oak Park-River Forest that wasn’t decided until the waning seconds. Trapani, the Suburban Life Athlete of the Week sponsored by Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group, spoke with sports editor Jason Rossi about his second half against OPRF, working on his shot, and more. Here’s an edited transcript:

Rossi: What allowed you to find your touch in the second half against OPRF?

Trapani: My teammates were giving me good screens to help me get open and they were getting me the ball, so all credit to them.

Rossi: You’ve got such a quick release on your shot. How much have you worked on that?

Trapani: I’ve been working on that ever since I can remember. My parents told me I’ve been working on that since I was a toddler. To be a shooter it’s important to have a quick release so the defender can’t get out on you, so that’s always something I take pride in.

Rossi: What did you learn playing against OPRF that could help you the next time you play them?

Trapani: They’re a great team and they have great athletes. They’re really big and they’re really good at rebounding, so we gotta box out on the rebounds.

Rossi: Are you guys excited to play Downers Grove North [Dec. 16] and then host the Tosh tournament?

Trapani: [Downers North] is a great team, but we’re a great team as well so it’ll be a good game. I look forward to the Tosh. It’s a great tournament, so hopefully we can get the two-peat going.