Lower Merion’s Jack Forrest is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
Forrest, a 6-foot-5 senior guard, has been named the Central League’s Most Valuable Player, leading the Aces (25-3 as of Tuesday) to an undefeated Central League season, a third-place finish in the District 1 6A tournament, and a spot in the second round of the PIAA 6A state tournament. LM head coach Gregg Downer said, “Jack is one of the best technical shooters I have ever seen.” Next winter, Forrest will play basketball for Columbia University, where he plans to major in economics.
Q: In what area of your game do you feel you improved the most this season? What part of your game are you working on the most currently?
A: I feel that my rebounding has improved the most since last season and has become an important part of my game. I will be devoting the most time to improving my ball handling for the next level and will work to get my handle even tighter.
Q: What has been your most memorable experience as a Lower Merion basketball player?
A: My most memorable Lower Merion experience has been the three Central League titles that our team won back to back to back. We were able to play at a high level during league play for three straight years, starting as sophomores, and the championship celebrations got better each year.
Q: What does it mean to you to be selected as the Central League’s Most Valuable Player?
A: Ever since I entered the league as a freshman I saw other players around the league win MVP and wondered if I would ever be able to play at that level, so being selected as MVP is an unbelievable honor. The award is a testament to my coaches and teammates hard work that has put me in a position to play good basketball; without their support and dedication this would never be possible.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in competitive basketball. Who have been your most important basketball mentors; and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?
A: I started playing competitive basketball in 4th grade and immediately fell in love. Although I loved the sport, my knowledge and skill quickly developed once I entered Lower Merion as a freshman. My mentors have been the Lower Merion coaching staff who have pushed me to improve every year and developed me into the player I am today. Another mentor for me is Tony Sagona, who is the head coach for the Jersey Shore Warriors AAU program. He aided me not only develop as a player, but with the long and difficult college selection process, which helped me tremendously.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.
A: Before every game I eat a meal with the team, watch film, go to shootaround and then will change into my game uniform and put my headphones in. Music helps me zone-in mentally and focus on the coming hours. As a team we go through a stretch and then warm up for the game.
Q: Who is your favorite basketball player, and why?
A: Steph Curry. His shooting ability separates him from any player in any era, and I admire how his presence changes the opponent’s entire defense, making offense easier for his team.
Q: You wear No. 2 for Lower Merion basketball. Why did you pick this number – does it have any special significance to you?
A: No. 2 was the best fitting jersey and Lower Merion did not carry a No. 4, which I will wear in college.
Fun facts – Jack Forrest
Favorite book: The Lightning Thief.
Favorite author: Rick Riordan.
Favorite TV show: The Office.
Favorite movie: 21 Jump Street.
Favorite athlete: Steph Curry.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Ready by Lil Baby.
Favorite team: Sixers.
Favorite place to visit: Manhattan Beach, Calif.
Favorite pre-game meal: Pasta with meatballs.
Person I most admire, and why: “My parents for their enormous sacrifice and devotion to raising our family.”
Family members: parents Chris Forrest and Trish DeRusso, sisters Kate and Alex.
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
