Talent can only take you so far, but hard work can take you anywhere you want to go. At Hunterdon Central, basketball is arguably one of the most competitive sports programs. Fortunately for senior Matt Schwartz and freshman Katie Schwartz, they have an abundance of both talent and hard work, resulting in both of them being essential players on the varsity teams.
The Schwartz siblings have been playing basketball since first grade. Starting with recreational teams and working their way up to club, it’s been a “staple in our lives,” according to Matt. Three of their uncles played in college, and their parents played during their youth, so naturally, this was the first sport they were encouraged to try.
Growing up, Matt and Katie often played together, shooting around outside. “And we still do,” added Katie. It was often 2 vs. 1, as they would play with their older brother Ryan as well. Whether it was a full-size net and backboard in the driveway, or a mini-hoop in their basement, there was always a basketball around.
When they decided they wanted to pursue the sport more competitively, they both started playing AAU (Amateur Athletic Union). Katie started in the fourth grade and Matt began in the sixth. Typically, the commitment consisted of two practices a week and games on the weekends.
While the competition definitely increased once he started AAU, Matt shared that he truly hit the ground running once he entered high school. “Once you were allowed to get scouted, it was a much bigger deal.” He recalled that while it was only 1-2 practices a week, there were times where he had to travel quite far for tournaments as it became more serious.
The transition from middle school to high school is an adjustment in itself, but Katie had an additional transition to make. She was the only freshman to not only make varsity but to also be a consistent starter.
She ran cross country in the fall to improve her stamina and running form. She knew she would try out for basketball, but she didn’t think she would make varsity initially.
“It’s been a great experience,” she said. “Having upperclassmen to help has been huge.”
Fortunate enough to have a sibling that has had so much experience with the program, she shared that Matt was incredibly helpful when she was nervous about tryouts, in addition to helping her get acclimated to high school in general.
“I’m tough with her, but I give her confidence when she needs it,” admitted Matt.
Different from Katie making varsity as a freshman, Matt made JV as a freshman. This was still an accomplishment nonetheless, as it’s a big deal to be a part of the program on any team. However, once he started to take AAU more seriously, establish a routine for off-season training, and take up spring track and field, this made all the difference in his sophomore year.
Sophomore year, Matt was the sixth man on the varsity team, getting pretty decent playing time. As a junior and senior, he has played most minutes of each game and has been an essential part of the team.
Historically speaking, the boys team is at its all-time high since being under the wing of Coach Falco, who stepped down after the 2020-2021 season. There’s inevitable pressure this season, considering the depth of the team talent-wise and the fact that this is Matt’s senior season.
“Every time I go out there, I just try to have fun. That relieves a lot of the pressure.”
Matt noted that he learned a lot from the upperclassmen he played with in years prior. He’s learned how to balance the student-athlete life, which he believes is the most challenging part. Having practice six days a week and maintaining good grades can be tough. He believes you have to push yourself to do your work as soon as you can, just so you can get a good night’s sleep.
A major factor in your potential success in a sport is your mental toughness, which is something both Matt and Katie seem to have a great deal of.
Playing college basketball is one of the toughest sports to get recruited for. Matt, wanting to go to a big school, would like to play club at a D1 school. However, if there is a D3 school that is bigger than Hunterdon Central, he would play NCAA for that school. “It’s up in the air,” he said honestly.
Although she has much time to decide, Katie, on the other hand, would like to go to a small school. Unsure if she will play in college, we could potentially see her in the NCAA championships in a few years.
Often having games at the same times but in different locations, Katie and Matt good-naturedly said that their parents take turns going to each of their games.
When asked what their goals are for the season, Katie says she wants to help the team have a good record and win tournaments. Matt, having more at stake, would like to win county championships this year as well as become part of the 1,000 points club.
In efforts to help other student athletes, Matt says, “Find people around you that will support you no matter what. Finding balance between sports and education is a huge part of your success.”
Katie stressed doing your schoolwork on time and not allowing it to accumulate.
Both Schwartz kids are extremely grateful for their parents. They say they’ve been helpful beyond belief in terms of balancing their lives. Being a student athlete, especially at this level, can be incredibly difficult, and having a strong support system can make all the difference.
