High school students have a lot of people throughout their life that can have an influence on them. Whether it is someone they see online or on social media or it is someone that is part of their everyday life, the impact that these people have on them can be immeasurable. Desmond Dorsey has someone that he has looked up to and has helped shape him into who he is today.

“My biggest role model is my dad,” Dorsey said. “He is the strongest man I know and he is the only man I know who wants me to do better than him.”

A sophomore at Duncan High School, Desmond plays point guard for the school’s basketball team. As an athlete, he works hard to be the best he can be when he steps out on the basketball court.    

“In order for me to be successful, it has taken years,” he said. “Sleepless nights, struggles, mental battles, dedication, and passion. My biggest motivations to keep working are my mom, my family, and God.”

Desmond enjoys the teammates that he has and says that they work together well as a group. They are also ready to go up against whoever is on the schedule, even if it is an opponent that outranks them.

“I honestly enjoy beating anyone,” he said. “The games I really want to win are the ones that people don’t think we can win. Daveon Carr and Carson Carrio are two of my teammates that I like to work with in practice because of the intensity that they play with. One of our underrated guys, in my opinion, is Seth Downey. He doesn’t talk much and he has more of an old school game that I really like.”

As a student in the classroom, Dorsey has learned from many teachers, but he has one that stands out as his favorite.

“My eighth grade teacher, Mrs. Clauson helped me in so many ways, more than I can explain,” he said. “She was almost like another mom.”