His cup of tea is his therapy. For Junior Reid Branderhorst, strapping up the ol’ hooping shoes is like visiting a daily therapist.

“Basketball is like therapy for me. It’s also something that I can always fall back on,” said Branderhorst.

While Branderhorst is relieving his mind, he’s also busy being a big part of this year’s basketball team.

“Reid brings strength, aggressiveness, competitiveness, and a good understanding of the game to our team,” said head coach Bruce Hartley.

Since first grade Branderhorst has been working on his skills, starting his basketball tenure in the ever-so-popular mini-basketball league at the YMCA.

“I started in first grade at the Y, and kept playing in the Rec. leagues here, along with traveling and three on three teams starting in third grade,” said Branderhorst.

With all of the experience and skills that Branderhorst has picked up throughout the years, Branderhorst has prepped himself enough to be ready for the varsity level.

“After seeing him play this summer I don’t think that there will be any problem with him adjusting to the varsity game. He’s got all the tools to play at this level,” said Hartley.

Branderhorst has already made his way into the starting line-up, and contributed greatly in the Dodger’s first game against Indianola. After playing in his first game, Branderhorst has learned that the competition is a lot greater than it was in the sophomore level.

“It’s a lot different. The games are more intense and quicker. There are better all-around players and more competition,” said Branderhorst.

Being the only junior in the starting line-up, Branderhorst has had to learn to gel with unfamiliar faces on the court. Hartley thinks that it doesn’t matter who is in with Branderhorst, because Reid can play with anyone.

“I think Reid will work well with whoever is in the game with him. All of the players recognize his abilities and know that he will make good decisions for the team,” said Hartley.

He’s not totally unfamiliar with his teammates or the varsity level though. Branderhorst was also part of the playoff qualifying football team as were a lot of the other players. Branderhorst proved to be a big part of the team too as he was named to the first team all-conference as a linebacker.

“ Reid had an outstanding football season and the confidence and experience he gained this fall will definitely help him this winter,” said Hartley.

The Dodgers started the season off with a tough loss to an experienced Indianola team by ten points after being up ten points at the break. Even with the loss, Brandherhorst still expects big things of this year’s squad. “If we play as a team this year, we will be a state contender. Playing together is the key,” said Branderhorst.

After it’s all said and done for Branderhorst here in the halls at the Senior High, he’s expecting to go out on top.

“I’m expecting a state championship in the next two years in one of my sports. We’ve got the talent; we just need to put everything together,” said Branderhorst.

With Branderhorst leading the charge along with a bunch of talented athletes, the dream of being on top for Branderhorst may not be too far out of reach.