Guthrie’s Addison Long
By Ivy Knapp
Guthrie High School sophomore Addison Long has been dedicated to basketball since she first picked up the sport in second grade. She was inspired by the TV show Liv and Maddie, and the character Maddie quickly became someone she looked up to. That early interest turned into something she stayed committed to as she got older.
Addison plays shooting guard, and she keeps her role on the team focused and dependable. “I try to be the positive energy. I want to keep my teammates positive throughout the game,” she explained.
That attitude shows up in how she handles mistakes and pressure. A key lesson basketball has taught her is that one bad game or mistake doesn’t define the player or person that she is. It’s always the next play, and the next game. She’s honest about how tough she can be on herself. Looking ahead helps her reset when things don’t go perfectly.
“I take losses and mistakes really harsh, so I try to think of all the positive aspects of the game and remind myself that you can’t succeed without failure,” she said.
One drill she looks forward to at practice is 11-man.
“It’s a fast-break drill and you can get the feel for a fast game while working on skills and techniques. I like that I get the game feeling without scrimmaging,” Addison said.
Addison feels fortunate to play alongside two of her best friends, Emalyn Redman and Ally Carey. She also finds motivation in the players who came before her in Guthrie’s program. They paved the way in this program that she gets to be a part of.
“They push me the hardest because they know how much love I truly have for the game,” she explained. “I look up to all the girls that have come through here,” she says.
When it comes to school life, Addison’s favorite part is the people. “I’ve really found my group. I don’t think I can find these connections anywhere else,” she said.
Her favorite teacher this year is Coach Stone, who teaches world history. He makes it fun and interesting to her. Addison said she wants to leave a positive impact on the program after she graduates.
“I want to be remembered for my hard work and my passion for the game,” she said.
Her team talks often about improving each day, and she says a perfect practice is when everyone gives 100% and we have fun without being uptight. After graduation, Addison plans to keep moving forward.
“I want to attend college, but I’m not sure where or what for, but I know I want to be successful wherever I end up,” Addison said.
