By Elizabeth Contreras
He wasn’t born with a basketball in his hands, but it didn’t take long before it felt like an extension of him. Nolan Sherl plays like the game owes him something. Growing up, Sherl spent countless hours studying his two older brothers on the court. Now a senior, he’s been playing since second grade, nearly a decade of sharpening his skills and shaping his identity through the game.
Nolan Sherl has earned a reputation for grit and versatility as a key player for the Zebras. His primary role is to serve as a lockdown defender, knock down shots, and attack the rim.
“My playing style is very gritty, and I do whatever is needed of me,” he explained.
One area Sherl has particularly focused on is his shooting, dedicating countless hours in the gym to improve. Day after day, he commits to putting up shots, refining his form, and building consistency.
“I’ve improved by being in the gym every day and getting shots up,” he said. His dedication reflects a larger mindset instilled in him by his father, who said “never stop working hard and always give 100 percent.”
He works to build confidence, setting the tone for everything else he does on the court.
When fans see the energy and execution during games, Sherl notes that they rarely see the dedication that starts while the rest of the world sleeps.
“People don’t see the early mornings and late nights that go into it,” he said.
Those early morning runs have not only built endurance but strengthened friendships and trust. Competitive mashups, particularly against Collinsville, have tested their mettle and fostered a competitive spirit that pushes the team forward. For Sherl, leadership isn’t restricted to performance, but also in uplifting others.
“Being a leader means helping my teammates and lifting them up instead of breaking them down,” he said.
Balancing academics and athletics is a priority, and Sherl emphasizes the importance of keeping schoolwork at the forefront to avoid burnout. His goals include earning a college offer, reaching state, and eventually playing basketball at the collegiate level while pursuing a degree in education. His ultimate vision is to give back as a teacher and coach, sharing the lessons that basketball has taught him.
Thanks to his relentless dedication and sharp focus, Sherl exemplifies the kind of athlete who inspires and uplifts those around him.
“Never get too comfortable. Always push yourself and enjoy it because it goes by fast,” he advised, a philosophy that has guided his journey from the backyard courts of his childhood to the competitive arenas of high school basketball.
