Xavier Ridenour is a MODG senior and a talented basketball player. Learn more about him and his achievements below!
Tell me about yourself!
I’ve lived in the same house with my eight siblings for the entirety of my life in Staunton, Virginia. My basketball team, the HHBA (Harrisonburg Homeschool Basketball Association) Lightning, is based out of Harrisonburg (about a thirty-minute drive north). Though I would consider my main sport to be basketball, I play rec flag football in the fall and just this past year I was able to coach my two younger brothers’ team to a championship win. For the less athletic side of my interests, I enjoy playing chess and studying the subjects physics and math.
How long have you been homeschooled? How long have you been in MODG?
I’ve been homeschooled all my life, but I have only been with MODG since 7th grade.
When did you start playing basketball, and why?
I started playing basketball for a rec league when I was seven. The reasoning being that my mom could see I needed to run around and since she had to drive my older brother to practice anyway, she signed me up. So I guess the reason would be because of the saying, “Two birds with one stone.”
Has your team won any competitions or awards?
We are back-to-back homeschool state champs as well as back-to-back NCHBC Midwest regionals champions and just this past year we won D1 bronze ball at the NCHBC Nationals.
How many hours a week do you spend on basketball?
In season we practice every day for two hours, Monday through Friday, and sometimes if we had a game earlier in the week we would also practice on Saturday. Outside of practice about 45 minutes to an hour which jumps to an hour and half to two hours on no practice days. So about 18 to 20 hours a week!
How do you balance athletics and academics?
Put your trust in God, believe in the mercy of your parents, and a lot of cramming. Cutting back on procrastination always helps.
What is the hardest part of basketball?
The amount of time put into it. It really does take away from other things.
What is your favorite part of basketball?
The chance it gives to build bonds with your teammates and spend time with friends. Whether that be the 12 grueling hours of a car ride to middle of nowhere Missouri for nationals. Or the hour spent at a restaurant after a game.
Who inspires you to keep playing basketball?
Those same friends and teammates really push me to stick with the grind that comes with the sport of basketball.
Do you aim for a specific goal when you play?
What is the best way I can help my team win. Whether that’s setting picks and setting up teammates or getting to the rim for a bucket.
What has basketball taught you?
The little things make up a winning effort. Boxing out, diving on the floor for loose balls, all those things add together.
What are your plans for basketball in the future?
After I graduate, I had originally thought about playing on a collegiate level, but at this point I’ve decided that the commitment of even more time that comes with that, is not what I want. I will probably still do intramurals and maybe join a club team but that’s about as far as I want to go.
Would you recommend basketball to other people? What advice would you give them?
Yes! Not only does it create opportunities to learn teamwork and the importance of hard work, it also gives the chance, especially for homeschoolers, to meet people you wouldn’t have otherwise come in contact with, whether that be because of distance or any other barrier.
