JEFF FIELDER Editor
SCOTTSBLUFF – Chancelor Parker, a senior at Scottsbluff High School, has been named Nspire Today!’s Male Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. Parker was a key player on Scottsbluff’s boys basketball team, which qualified for the state tournament this month. The Bearcats defeated Alliance 53-38 in the first round, and then lost a heartbreaker to Omaha Roncalli 68-55 in the semifinal round. Parker, a post, started for the first time this season. His parents are Summer and Anthony Parker. For being named an athlete of the week, Chancelor will receive a gift card for a free drink at Scooter’s Coffee.
Q: Talk about how much fun you had this basketball season.
PARKER: “It was a fun season, especially getting closer to my brothers who I’ve been playing with for a while. It was fun, too, getting to know the new players. I thought everyone bonded really well, and we really grew as a team and as people. We proved that we were one of the best teams in the state. The journey was a blast.”
Q: Did everything this season go the way you thought it would go?
PARKER: “There were a few surprises. There were a couple losses that we weren’t expecting, and I was hoping for a state championship, but we fell a little short of that. Still, it was a great season. We played really well. We had the second-greatest record (25-4) in Scottsbluff High School history. So, it was a really successful season.”
Q: Talk a little more about how things went at the state tournament.
PARKER: “At the state tournament this year, I thought we started out kind of rough. The vibe wasn’t there like you would think it would be for a state tournament, just because they didn’t let in all the spectators besides immediate family members. So, we started off kind of slow against Alliance, but eventually, we went out there and got the win and won by a decent amount. It was exciting to move on. [Against Roncalli] we knew we had to bring a lot of energy, and I thought we did that. Unfortunately, it kind of faded away toward the end. But we still gave a great effort, and I think we still proved a lot to people. I don’t think a lot of people thought we would accomplish what we did.”
Q: Playing in front of such a small crowd at state, how weird did that feel to the players?
PARKER: “It was really awkward. Growing up, you go to state tournaments to support the older kids, and you see the environment, and it makes you want to play in that environment, too, someday. You work so hard throughout the whole season to make it to state and be in that environment – to play in front of a big crowd. So, it was really weird how things worked out. The environment was supposed to be something really special – something we were really looking forward to being part of. But it all came crashing down real quick. It made it kind of rough for us.”
Q: Describe what the environment was like for the athletes when you stepped onto the court to play.
PARKER: “The best way I can describe it is that it felt like playing in an 8 a.m. AAU game. Those are very quiet games. You can hear the one or two loud moms in the background saying things like, ‘Pass the ball’ or ‘Dribble it.’ The fans tried to bring as much energy as they could, but when you only have about 50 people on each side, that made it hard for anyone to really create a lot of energy.”
Q: Nevertheless, competing at state and even winning a game there, how much of a thrill was that for you, being a senior?
PARKER: “It was exciting. We did our thing. We performed well. To be able to play at state with my brothers was a blessing. Getting a win there was great.”
Q: Are you done playing competitive basketball now?
PARKER: “Hopefully, I’ll be able to play in college.”
Q: What do you plan to major in at college?
PARKER: “I want to major in biology with a possible minor in chemistry. I haven’t decided yet what college I want to go to.”
Q: What got you interested in wanting to major in biology?
PARKER: “Since I was young, I’ve had an interest in the human body and learning how everything works. We have career academies at the high school, so I pursued that from day one. I’ve realized that not only is it something I’m good at, but I really enjoy it, too. I think it’s a field I can go into that will help people. I would really like to make a big difference in the community.”
Q: What would you like to do for a career?
PARKER: “I’m still trying to decide what I want to do. I’d kind of like to be a general surgeon at least and then possibly specialize in something.”
Q: During your athletic career, which coach do you feel has made the biggest impact on you?
PARKER: “That’s a tough one. All my coaches have really helped me in different ways. They’ve all had a positive impact on me. They’ve guided me to where I am today. They’ve molded me into a better person.”
Q: Which teacher has made the biggest influence on you?
PARKER: “I would say Mrs. [Jen] Harre. She’s definitely been someone who’s supported me through thick and thin. She’s watched me grow and has helped shape me into the person I am today. She’s always been a big, positive influence on me. She’s always told me to take the high ground – to take a positive route with things.”
Q: Outside of your school activities, what do you like to do for fun?
PARKER: “I enjoy lifting weights, and I like to mentor kids off and on, whenever they want someone to hang out with. If kids are needing someone to look up to, I try to fill that role. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends, playing games and just having a good time.”
Q: What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
PARKER: “I’ll listen to anything, but I really like hip hop.”
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
PARKER: “I would say Naruto.”
Q: What is your favorite local restaurant?
PARKER: “Wonderful House.”
Q: What do you like to order at Wonderful House?
PARKER: “I’m a Chicken Chow Mein guy.”
Q: Have you always lived in Scottsbluff?
PARKER: “No, I moved here at the end of my fourth-grade year from North Platte.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed growing up in the Scottsbluff community?
PARKER: “I’ve enjoyed it a lot. People in Scottsbluff have been really supportive of me, especially in my high school years. They’ve helped mold me into the person I am today.”
Q: What do you think is the coolest attraction in the WyoBraska region?
PARKER: “Probably Chimney Rock just because of the historical value it holds in this area.”
Q: What is one thing you wish people would do more of?
PARKER: “Realize their influence on people. Sometimes people don’t realize how much of an influence they can have, regardless how big their voice is. Everyone’s voice can make an impact on someone else.”
Q: I know students are out of school right now due to the coronavirus outbreak. How are you handling things?
PARKER: “At first, I was super excited. But now I really see how big a deal it is and how it can cause issues not only now but also in the future. I’m not sure how online classes will go or if we’ll have to stay longer in school to make up for the time we lost. But I think this is a good learning experience for all of us right now. Not only is it a time to stay safe, but it’s also a time to reflect on the person you’ve been, to think about what you want to do with your life, and to think about how you can help other people. Some things we thought were really important don’t matter as much right now. What’s most important right now is making sure we do what we need to do to keep ourselves safe and everyone else safe.”
Q: Do you have any siblings?
PARKER: “Yes, I have one sibling. Her name is Kianna Parker. She’s a fifth-grader at Longfellow.”
For all your insurance needs, visit The Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance, located at 1012 Ave. I in Scottsbluff, or call 308-632-8598.
