Where Are They Now: Sebastian Reed

When looking at the athletes who walk the Lakeside hallways, we can’t forget the ones who scored touchdowns, scored baskets, and broke records before them. Class of 2023 Sebastian Reed was one of those guys, amongst many. Sebastian played four years of basketball as a Viking before attending Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, to continue his basketball career and further his education.

Sebastian Reed was one of the guards for Lakeside High School, who played under Coach Basit during his years as a Viking. Sebastian’s leap from his junior to his senior year caught the attention of many. As a junior, averaging 9.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, Sebastian took the gym seriously as a rising senior. He came back torching any defender in front of him during his last year as a Viking. In his senior year, Sebastian averaged 17.6 points and 8.1 rebounds, representing a significant increase from the previous year.

Like many other athletes who continue to play after high school, Sebastian had to utilize a wide range of previously learned techniques and traits when he transitioned to playing basketball at the collegiate level. Sebastian gained a sense of toughness from playing on the high school level. Sebastian said, “Not only do you have to be physically tough, but you have to be mentally tough too. In the heat of the moment, a coach or teammate may say something in a way that sounds mean, but you have to listen to what they are saying, not how they are saying it, and just take their criticism.” Positive criticism can help take people to the next level because your weaknesses are somebody’s strengths.

Outside of sports, going from high school to college is also a big jump for students. When you are in high school, you are at home with your parents and/or guardians, and with their support, you have someone to lean on. College is your first glimpse at adulthood, with some students being any an unfamiliar state or even country. Sebastian shared, “Developing good time management skills” helped him get used to living alone and being successful in college. That was just one of many tips he gave to incoming college students.

Sebastian also noticed differences on the court, with him no longer being one of the oldest on the court. In high school, the average age of competition ranges from 14 to 18 years old. With the transfer portal and other exceptions regarding years of eligibility, the age of a college athlete typically ranges from 18 to 21 years old. Sebastian said, “With the guys being older, they are bigger, stronger, and decision-making comes faster.” Along with training on the court, being physically strong is equally important.

Sebastian is now going into his junior year as a college athlete and is looking to continue his success from previous years. Coming off a 15-13 season, Sebastian and the Gorlocks are looking forward to only success.  Good luck to our former Viking, Sebastian Reed, as the season comes to a start!