Curators: Shyro Leena

The scene in the gym was lively. Tons of young athletes taking the court, watching their competition, or passionately cheering for a friend or family member. No, this wasn’t a collegiate or professional environment, it was AAU. And not the highly touted prospects that we’ll be able to see in the NCAA or G League next fall, the athletes on the floor were primarily in the eighth and ninth grade.Much has been said in recent years about the decisions young athletes make from high school that can chart the path for their futures. This day showed me that these decisions begin even sooner than we realize.They start from middle school.

Meet, eighth grader, Shyro Leena. The Fremont Middle guard from Las Vegas. After 3 consecutive seasons that saw the pandemic alter sports everywhere, the 22-23 sports calendar brought with it a return to normalcy. For the first time in his middle school career, he’d be able to take the court without masks, covid tests, or the concern that team health was at risk.

Playing under 2022 Jr. NBA Coach of the Year, Christina Wellendorf, Leena led the roster in nearly every traditional box score category, you’d never know that he’s only been playing the sport for about two years. Stuck on a temporary campus while the new one was under construction, the team didn’t have their own gym and instead made use of a nearby middle school’s courts, a park, and adjustable rims you’d find in a driveway. Their season was all road games. Still, none of this ever reduced his effort, even in moments when teammates couldn’t match his intensity. Leena found a way to impact each and every game.

On the school team, he was the clear leader, but on his uncle’s AAU squad, Team East, he’s still learning. An early fast break layup gave his team a boost, though he really got down on himself for missing a similar shot later. Leena admits that he’s only been playing for about two years and hopes to continue playing and improving at the nearby Valley High school as a freshman next season. Surely, if he remains as committed to the game as he has been the last few years, he’s sure to shine in this critical next step.