Brothers Zander and Drake Madole attend Lone Grove High School where they are both members of the Longhorns basketball team. Zander is a senior, while Drake is a freshman. Even with there being a few years between them, they both enjoy competing against each other.
“The teammate I enjoy going up against the most is Drake,” Zander said. “He is my younger brother and we always talk a little trash to each other.”
Drake agreed, saying that he lets his brother get the better of him at times.
“Going against Zander is fun,” he said. “We usually try to beat each other any chance we get. I let him win sometimes because he is my ride home.”
While they like to compete against each other about most things, there is one thing that they both can agree on and that is who they both look up to.
“My dad is a big role model and a great influence,” Drake said. “He is always being a great example and always is there for me. Always pushing me to be my best and taking me to the gym.”
Zander echoed, saying that he hopes to be like his dad one day.
“My dad is a major role model to me,” Zander said. “The way he leads me through life and is a Christ-centered man is something that I strive to accomplish and something that I admire.”
When he steps out on the floor to compete, Zander knows that he is competing for more than just himself and that is not something that he takes lightly.
“It means a lot to represent Lone Grove because I am playing for the name on the front of my chest,” he said. “It is very special to me that I represent more than just me and my family when I step onto the floor.”
Becoming a successful athlete is not something that just happens. Instead it takes a lot of time and work.
“Grinding has been a big part of my success,” Drake said. “I stay in the gym working on stuff. You can’t just show up to.practice and expect.to be good. You have to work on your game on your own time to separate yourself.”
