OPINION

Opinion: How to handle the final game of your child’s basketball career

Feb 28, 2023, 6:00 PM | Updated: Mar 2, 2023, 10:39 am

I continue to learn so much from my teenage sons. Last night was Ethan's final game of his basketba...

Amanda and her family pose for a photo after Ethan's last game. (Amanda Dickson/KSL NewsRadio)

(Amanda Dickson/KSL NewsRadio)

This is an editorial piece. An editorial, like a news article, is based on fact but also shares opinions. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and are not associated with our newsroom.

I continue to learn so much from my teenage sons.

Last night was Ethan’s final game of his basketball career. He has no intention of trying to play at the college level. His team got knocked out of the playoffs by a fantastically talented team.

As the outcome became obvious, I started to worry. Would he feel wounded by the loss? What did it mean for his moment in the sun as the center of his team? I started thinking of what I would say when we got to the car.

“Ethan, thank you so much for the thrill you’ve given Dad and me,” I said to him. “Coming to your games these last two years has been a joy for us. You’ve worked so hard, and we couldn’t be more proud.”

Then he came out of the locker room, wearing shorts and his Timberland boots with a tank top. (This boy has a style all his own.)

“Can we get Cupbop?” he asked.

“Ah, yeah. Sure. Whatever your want,” I replied as he smiled and fist-bumped his teammates.

The coach who changed his life

Ethan taught me so much last night after the final basketball game of his career. He never lost sight of the fact that this is a game and, from the beginning, he only wanted to have fun. 

Playing on this team has been a blessing in his life.

He didn’t start playing basketball until the end of his sophomore year in high school. In fact, he didn’t really move his body in any meaningful way until he met his coach, an extraordinary man named David Squires.

final game son's basketball career

(Photo David Squires)

Coach Squires taught Ethan squash in 10th grade. Yes, squash. Ethan fell in love with it. Then Coach Squires encouraged him to play basketball. Ethan hadn’t enjoyed his experience with basketball as a child, but he wanted to spend more time with Coach Squires.

To say that this coach saved his life might be hyperbole, but he certainly changed the trajectory. Ethan had been an introvert who really only enjoyed playing video games. Basketball got him out of his room, onto the court, into the gym, and living a healthier life.

Thank you, Coach Squires. Thank you to all high school coaches and what they do for our children.

When we got home last night after we ate dinner, Ethan took his brother and met members of his team at the local church … to play basketball.

For him now, as it was at the beginning, it’s all about the joy of playing the game.

Amanda Dickson is the co-host of Utah’s Morning News and A Woman’s View.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Opinion

Deedee Corradini, the former Salt Lake City mayor, was instrumental in getting the Olympics to Utah...

Amanda Dickson

Dickson: Remembering Deedee Corradini after the Olympics news today

Former Salt Lake City Mayor Deedee Corradini was instrumental in getting the Olympics. She would be ecstatic to see them again.

3 days ago

President M. Russell Ballard might have been losing his vision himself, but he never stopped inviti...

Boyd Matheson

Boyd Matheson: President M. Russell Ballard inviting all to “come and see!”

President M. Russell Ballard spent his life inviting people to "come and see."

16 days ago

The KSL Movie Show reviews"The Holdovers" and says it might be one of your favorite movies....

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘The Holdovers’ is your new seasonal anthem

"The Holdovers" could easily become the next film you watch every holiday season with your family.

25 days ago

The KSL Movie Show review gives "Priscilla" a B grade for its truth despite being ugly....

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘Priscilla’ isn’t pretty, but it rings true

If you're looking for a pretty movie, this isn't it. The latest KSL Movie Show review gives "Priscilla" a B grade. It's ugly, but true.

26 days ago

Image of Gavin Zachary Valdez was born at Primary Children's Hospital on June 11, 2007. He died not...

Amie Schaeffer

Schaeffer: A letter of thanks to Primary Children’s Hospital

Sixteen years ago Primary Children's Hospital cared for a new mom and her preemie son who later passed away.

1 month ago

More and more people are using FaceTime to have sleepovers. Some say it makes them feel less lonely...

Amanda Dickson

Dickson: FaceTime sleepovers are a thing

More and more teens and adults alike are sleeping together on FaceTime. Here's why, right from the people who are doing it most often.

2 months ago

Sponsored Articles

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Human hand holding a protest banner stop vaping message over a crowded street background....

Prosperous Utah Communities

Utah’s Battle to Protect Youth from Vaping Epidemic Faces New Threat as Proposed Rule Threatens Progress

Utah's strict standards of nicotine levels in vaping products are at risk, increasing health hazards associated with use. Read more about how you can advocate for a better future for Utah's youth.

Aerial photo of Bear Lake shoreline with canopies and people camped out on the beach...

Visit Bear Lake

Last-Minute Summer Vacation Planning? Check Out Bear Lake!

Bear Lake is the perfect getaway if you are last-minute summer vacation planning. Enjoy activities with your whole family at this iconic lake.

Opinion: How to handle the final game of your child’s basketball career