Sports Spotlight: Sadeem Blake | Observer Preps

A junior on the Ocoee boys basketball team, Sadeem Blake fell in love with the game of basketball at a young age thanks to his father — who is also a big fan of the sport. Although he still has two years left of high school, Blake already knows he wants to become a restaurateur.

How did you get into basketball?

Fourth grade — I was about 8 or 9. I use to play football at the time, so I was playing both sports. I went to the gym and thought, “I could be really good if I put in the work.”

Have you always played at the point?

Last year and the year before, I was playing point guard/shooting guard. But this year, it’s more of me playing point guard.

What has been your favorite part about playing basketball at Ocoee?

It’s just the love and support from the coaches. We could lose so many games, and they’ll still have your back no matter what, as long as you put in an effort.

What is the most difficult thing about playing basketball?

When you’re down like, five points, and the other team keeps going and everyone puts their head down. You have to lift everybody back up, and everybody gets emotional — that’s difficult. But at the end of the day, we’re playing until the clock expires.

What’s some of the best advice you’ve received from coach John Siers?

Play hard and whatever you do — when you start something — finish it. 

What is your go-to routine on a game day?

Before or after a game, I listen to music to get my mind right. I have a playlist that I listen to before the game — if we win, I have a playlist to listen to. If we lose, I have a playlist to listen to.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I would go to Dubai — because I feel like it’s different. I’ve never experienced traveling out of the country. I went on a cruise a couple of weeks ago, but I would go to Dubai, because I feel like it would be different. I feel like there is more stuff out there, because they have more money.

When you’re not playing basketball or doing homework, what do you like doing in your spare time?

I usually stay home, but I like to chill with my friends — going out to places like the mall. More relaxing and don’t have to worry about basketball and stuff.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be a businessman actually. When I go to college, I’m going to study business. I’m going to have something to fall back on, because anything can happen after you get hurt.