Senior focus: Conner O’Sullivan

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For as long as he can remember, Conner O’Sullivan has laced up his shoes and taken to the basketball court.

O’Sullivan began playing basketball in second grade in Crothersville.

He played all the way through elementary and middle school before joining the junior varsity team, and he is in his second season starting with the Tigers’ varsity.

“I just like playing the sport and getting everybody involved in the sport and everything,” O’Sullivan said.

He said he has split playing time between playing a wing position and playing in the post on varsity.

“I just kind of work both sides,” he said about setting up in the Tigers’ half-court offense. “I like to shoot 3s. I like to shoot 3-pointers from the left side on an angle. It’s easier for me to get a view of the rim.”

His high-point game this season was 21 points against Medora, and he scored 18 against Shoals and Shawe Memorial.

“I would rather play against a zone,” he said about shooting 3s, because he feels it is easier to get an open shot. “I like to take it to the basket if there is an opportunity.”

O’Sullivan said he enjoyed playing in the holiday tournaments at Henryville and Scottsburg.

In games, O’Sullivan prefers to play man-to-man defense when the Tigers are in the half-court, and he enjoys rebounding.

He said he is counted on quite a bit to help on the boards.

“You have to block out and go straight up for the ball,” O’Sullivan said.

He also said he likes to fast break, and press when the Tigers are on defense.

“We do both, zone and man-to-man,” O’Sullivan said. “I’m either at mid-court or in the back.”

This season, O’Sullivan is the only senior on the team. He said he tries to provide leadership to the other players on the team.

“It’s important to focus in practice so we’re ready for the weekend games,” O’Sullivan said. “Our point guard, Zane (Elliott) sees the floor really well. He gets everybody their shots. We work the ball around really well.”

The senior feels that teamwork is the key to having a strong finish to the end of the season.

For O’Sullivan, his highlight win came during his sophomore season when the Tigers defeated Springs Valley.

He said having a positive outlook in athletics is important.

“It’s very important to believe in yourself,” O’Sullivan said.

O’Sullivan said he has enjoyed attending Crothersville.

“I like the smaller school,” he said. “I’ll remember everything I’ve done in basketball and all the friends I’ve made.”

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Name: Conner O’Sullivan

School: Crothersville High School

Parents: Robert and Susan O’Sullivan

Sibling: Logan

Sports: Basketball, 4 years; golf, 1 year

Athletics awards: Free throw award

Plans after high school: Enter work force

Favorite food: Pizza

Favorite TV show: “North Woods Law”

Favorite movie: “Life”

Favorite team, athlete: Golden State Warriors, Stephen Curry

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