From a young age, basketball pumped through senior Seth Alden’s veins. His passion for the game came from watching his older brother, Ryan Alden, dribble down the courts.
At only five years old Seth Alden began exploring the world of basketball. While wandering around at Ryan Alden’s swim practice, Seth Alden picked up a ball and spent an hour determined to make a basket, despite his small size.
At home, instead of playing video games, Seth Alden was always outside practicing dribbling and making shots. His father, Kirk Alden, would set marks for him at different spots around the hoop; if he made 10 shots in a row then he would get Seth Alden ice cream. “He would stay out there for hours until he met his mark,” Kirk Alden said.
Seth Alden gained his experience by shooting hoops with Ryan Alden and his friends. “Seth saw himself as an equal and he would try to match the older kids,” Kirk Alden said.
He also played on community teams called “The Wolfpack” and “The Rebels” from ages 9-14. As a junior, Seth Alden
was a starter in six games for the varsity basketball team.
“In those games it felt like I was flying over Mt. Saint Helens while it was erupting,” Seth Alden said.
Described as an excellent shooter and a great leader, Seth Alden continues to contribute his skills to this year’s varsity basketball team. “He has quite a bit of experience playing last year on a team that won fourth in state. Players look to him for leadership, and he will have a good opportunity this year to be a leader,” head varsity basketball coach John Golden said.
Seth Alden wasn’t just born with the talent to play basketball; he became the player he is today through countless hours of sweat and a strong work ethic. “He always had the attitude that he might be smaller than you, but he’s better than you and he will prove it,” Seth Alden’s mother, Kristi Alden said.
Being one of the only three juniors on last year’s varsity team, Seth Alden is looking forward to once again playing with some of the members from his freshman team.
After graduation, Seth Alden plans to shoot hoops in college while balancing school work. Currently, he has not decided what college he wants to attend, but he wishes to achieve a degree in agriculture.
