pBasketball has been a big part of Simon Wright’s life ever since he was in kindergarten, and he has gotten more serious about it ever since.

The sport also runs in the family, as older brother Jake Wright was a star for Hopkins and currently plays at Miami University.

“I started playing when I was in kindergarten, and my dad pushed me to be the best I could be since then,” Wright said.

Wright quickly grew into a star and won the National Championship for his age group when he was in the fourth grade, despite his team only having six players. The experience of winning that championship fuels his drive to keep playing.

Wright was a starter last year, and the experience has had a great impact on him. Through the 19 games he has played this season, Wright is averaging 11.9 points per game and 6 rebounds per game.

“[The team’s] goal for this season is to win the State Championship. I think with hard work and the talent we have, we can do it,” Wright said.

Wright has been there before, but looks to get further than he did last year, as the Royals were upset in the first round last season by Lakeville North.

As for the future, Wright is eager to continue playing the sport he loves.

¨My ultimate goal is to get a scholarship so I can play at the college level,¨ Wright said.