Most Valuable Athlete: Josh Preston

Sport: Basketball

Why he was selected: Preston scored 14 points – going 10-for-10 from the free throw line – in a 52-49 victory over Wheaton Warrenville South on Nov. 30. Preston caught up with Chronicle sports reporter Jacob Bartelson to discuss his early season success and more. Below is an edited transcript

Bartelson: Looks like free throws were a preseason focus of yours. Was it, and why?

Preston: Free throws have always been a focus for me just because they are so important in the end of a close game, and it’s something you can work on easily. This summer is when I really started to work on my free throws...I just want my teammates to have the trust to know I can knock down my free throws the same way I trust them to hit theirs.

Bartelson: What’s your overall assessment of the team’s success in the early going?

Preston: I think so far we’ve come out to a great start. I also think that everyone on our team knows that we can’t slow down. We have so much potential and can do so much if we keep playing as a team. Our coach [Scott Hennig] also does a great job at preparing us.

Bartelson: You’re generally viewed as a ‘breakout player’ for this team. What’s your reaction to that?

Preston: I think I’ve been making the most of my opportunities this year, and our teammates have built the trust to come together and succeed. I have a lot of previous and current coaches to thank for believing in me and showing me that I have the potential to embrace every opportunity that I am given.

Bartelson: What teammate has impressed you and why?

Preston: I think that Garret Sneed has impressed, not only me, but my entire team. He took a year off of basketball and came back this year. We didn’t know what to expect from Garret after a year off, but his athleticism and hard work on both ends of the court has not disappointed anyone. I’m excited to continue watching him the rest of the season.