The Sewanhaka Indians boys basketball team does not only count on Carlos Bodden to lead them in scoring, but also to lead them on and off the court.
This is evident as Bodden, the teams starting small forward, is only a junior but is already a team captain.
“He really is a role model for us on the court, specifically with how hard he plays,” said Indians head coach Jason Allen. “He sets a great example around school, he’s a great kid.”
Bodden ranks 14th in Nassau County, averaging 18.1 points-per-game. Both Bodden and Allen still see ways he can improve, which should only scare teams in the Indians conference even more.
“He can be more consistent with his free throws,” says Allen. “He can improve upon his range too. But fortunately for us he is so good in the post, close to the basket that we keep him down there a lot. He does have outside skills and is good in transition too.”
Not only did Bodden play on the varsity squad as a sophomore, he also started. Bodden believes this is an area he can improve on as well.
“I’m going to work on my shot in the offseason and try to expand my range,” he said.
Bodden began playing basketball in the fifth grade. When he was younger, he was bigger then all the other kids and now standing at 6-foot-3, he has had to make the transition to being a small forward.
This is a move he may have to continue to work on, as he inspires to play at a higher level.
“After the season I’m going to be in the gym trying to get better for next season,” Bodden says.
His coach certainly believes he can.
“He has the right kind of work ethic and charisma. He’s got good size and is one of those players I believe can play at a higher level,” said Allen.
For now Bodden is all in on the Indians as they make a push towards the postseason.
“My goal for the rest of the season is to make the playoffs, which we are more then capable of doing,” he said.
