Boys Basketball Top 20 - After Week 6 (January 12)

My Boys Basketball Rankings After Week 5 - (+/- from last week's ranking)

1) Hudsonville 6-0 (Same)

The Eagles improved to 6-0 this week with a 54-44 win over Caledonia in the OK red opener. Yet, the Eagles are going to remain at No. 1 in my rankings, simply because of the difficulty of the conference. Caledonia may be better than expected this season and it was still the same players helping to lead the Eagles to the victory as Jack Joldersma scored 18 points, Justin DeGraaf added 13 and senior point guard Max Perez dropped 12. Hudsonville will have an extremely tough week, as most weeks are in the Red, with Grand Haven at home on Tuesday and East Kentwood on the road on Friday.

2) Grand Rapids Christian 6-0 (Same)

Grand Rapids Christian was off this past week and remains at 6-0 with Middleville TK on Tuesday on the road and a huge OK Gold matchup with fellow unbeaten Wyoming at home on Friday. The Eagles have been led by junior superstar Kobe Bufkin but despite being held to 12 points against Rockford in Christian's last win on January 3rd, the Eagles still won by 13 points as the supporting cast continues to step up. Grand Rapids Christian has marked impressive wins against Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Holland Christian this season.

3) Grand Rapids Catholic Central 5-1 (Same)

Grand Rapids Catholic Central is one of the most talented teams in the entire state. The Cougars lone blemish came to Grand Rapids Christian back on December 17 but they haven't looked back since. TJ Meerman's group turned right around and beat an unbelievable River Rouge team in overtime before dominating wins over Northview (84-52), East Grand Rapids (76-49) and now West Catholic (67-30) in the conference opener. Mykel Bingham and Jack Karasinski are dominant in the front court while Devon Boyd and Jace Williams continue to shoot the ball really well to start the season. The Cougars will face Allendale and Coopersville this week, both at home.

4) Muskegon 3-1 (Same)

The Big Reds suffered a tough loss to Midwest power Chicago Curie on January 4th but bounced back nicely with a victory over Grand Rapids Union on Friday night to begin OK Black play. Jarvis Walker and Vernon Nash continue to make up the best backcourt in the area as the Big Reds continue a slow schedule in terms of games played with Reeths-Puffer on the road on Friday and then Ferndale on the road this Saturday.

5) Kalamazoo Central 4-2 (Same)

Kalamazoo Central remains one of the best teams in West Michigan despite the two losses which both came to powerhouse programs Benton Harbor and South Bend Riley. The Maroon Giants have rebounded with an eleven point victory over Battle Creek Lakeview to start conference play on Friday and a 44 point win over Loy Norrix on Saturday. Trevon Gunter and Justin Hunter are one of the best duos in the state and will continue to carry the team throughout the conference. They'll take on Portage Northern on Tuesday and Gull Lake on Friday, both at home.

6) Unity Christian 5-1 (Same)

Unity Christian's lone loss came to my No. 1 team Hudsonville back on December 20. Since then, the Crusaders have battled back with two tough victories over West Ottawa, 50-48 and Holland Christian by three. Evan Nieuwenhuis and Grant Balcer continue to play really well as does Luke Snoeyink. Scott Soodsma has a powerful sophomore combination as well in twins Cam and Drew Chandler who have both added major minutes this season. The Crusaders have a 42-game OK Green winning streak which they'll put back on the line this Tuesday against Holland before hosting South Christian on Friday in an OK Conference crossover.

7) Otsego 6-1 (Same)

Charlie Woodhams continues to lead Matt Dennis' group that is 6-1 this season. Forget our area, Woodhams is one of the most impressive scorers in the state but yet has done it virtually unnoticed by many. Otsego's lone loss came to Grand Rapids Catholic Central by 17 which isn't much of a blemish considering only a few teams in the state can hang with them. Otsego will take on Edwardsburg on the road and host Plainwell this week.

8) Portage Central 5-0 (Same)

Portage Central notched another victory on Friday night against Niles, 66-39. Sophomore Grant Pikkaart has been unbelievable this season and has helped the Mustangs notch some impressive wins. Coach Robinson's group beat Edwardsburg by ten to begin the season and also picked up another big win against Hopkins on the road, 64-50. The Mustangs will take on Battle Creek Lakeview on Tuesday and will host the crosstown rivalry against Portage Northern on Friday.

9) Wyoming 6-0 (+4)

Wyoming continues to impress this season. To be honest, Friday night was my first time seeing the Wolves and I see what the buzz is all about. The Wolves beat South Christian, 80-72 and they play fast. Menalito McGee leads Wyoming while Diego Ledesma as well as Marion and Monte Parks make up a really solid supporting cast. Wyoming is one of the best shooting teams in West Michigan and will have a monster matchup on Friday night in OK Gold play on Friday at Grand Rapids Christian after playing Wayland on Tuesday.

10) West Ottawa 6-1 (+6)

West Ottawa continues to show why they'll be tough in the OK Red. The Panthers lone loss came to Unity Christian by two on Tuesday before rebounding to beat Grand Haven by 13. Tanner Wiegerink is an exciting player to watch and will need to play big for the Panthers to continue to the hot start in the OK Red. Steve Windemuller's team will take on East Kentwood at home on Tuesday and Grandville on the road on Friday.

11) Schoolcraft 7-0 (Same)

Schoolcraft is one of the best, yet quiet teams, in West Michigan. The Eagles beat Hopkins, 58-56 in overtime to begin the season but since then have beaten every opponent by at least 14 points which came on Friday night against a talented Kalamazoo Christian team. Kobe Clark runs the point with shooters all around him in a drive and kick offense. Not to mention, Schoolcraft plays really impressive defense, holding three opponents to under 40 points this season. The Eagles will take on Galesburg-Augusta on Friday night.

12) Forest Hills Central 4-1 (+2)

Jimmy Scholler and Mitchell Wilkerson make up a really nice duo for Forest Hills Central. The 4-1 Rangers picked up a 40 point victory over Greenville on Friday night and will take on Cedar Springs and Lowell this week to continue OK White play. Kyle Carhart's group fell to Forest Hills Eastern in overtime to begin the season but have notched really good wins since then including East Kentwood by 12, Allendale by 15 and a revenge win over Forest Hills Eastern, 66-34 at Cornerstone.

13) Grand Rapids Union 5-1 (-3)

Grand Rapids Union suffered their first loss of the season on Friday night at Muskegon, 51-44. The Red Hawks, however, have picked up good wins over Rockford and Hanover-Horton and will compete really well in the OK Black with the senior trio of Jeremiah Pittman, Ray'Vaughn Anderson and Danyel Bibbs. Brandoen Guyton's group will take on Fruitport and Jenison this week as conference play continues.

14) Grand Haven 5-1 (-2)

Grand Haven fell in the rankings because of the 13 point loss to West Ottawa on Friday night but the Buccaneers are impressive this season. Owen Ross and his Bucs picked up a statement win over Holland Christian on December 28 in overtime but other than that haven't been as tested as some other teams so far. However, that'll change this week as OK Red play continues at Hudsonville on Tuesday and home against Rockford on Friday.

15) Covenant Christian 6-1 (+2)

Ty and Trent Mulder have helped lead Covenant Christian to a 6-1 start to the season. The Chargers have played a tough schedule, as well, falling to Unity Christian by eight in the season opener before wins against Allendale, Caledonia, Zeeland West, Godwin Heights, Calvin Christian in overtime and now Potter's House. Tyler Schimmel's group can shoot the ball really well and have not been afraid to stack the schedule with much bigger programs with Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Mona Shores, South Christian and Zeeland East all up ahead on the schedule. The Chargers will take on Comstock Park on Tuesday.

16) East Grand Rapids 5-2 (No Ranking)

East Grand Rapids has suffered two losses to really good programs this season including an overtime loss to East Kentwood to begin the season. The second was to Grand Rapids Catholic Central in the Legends Invitational at Aquinas College. On the bright side, the Pioneers have picked up solid victories over Forest Hills Northern, Rockford by holding the Rams to just 25 points and Forest Hills Eastern on Friday night, 46-45. East Grand Rapids will take on South Christian on the road on Tuesday and Wayland on the road on Friday to continue OK Gold play.

17) Forest Hills Northern 4-3 (-8)

Forest Hills Northern is playing inconsistently this season but the talent is there. The Huskies have notched really good wins against East Kentwood, Flint Powers Catholic and Coldwater but have fallen to East Grand Rapids by 14 and now Forest Hills Eastern by seven. Joe Soules' group is young, led by two juniors in Ethan Erickson and Trinidad Chambliss and have been getting solid play from the front court of Cole Rynbrandt, Dan Gutierrez and Ethan Morello. The Huskies will look to get back on a winning streak after Friday's 59-42 win against Cedar Springs as they take on Lowell and Ottawa Hills this week.

18) East Kentwood 2-3 (+1)

East Kentwood is still talented enough to be a top ten team in these rankings but the results don't prove that right now. The Falcons have suffered losses to Forest Hills Northern, Forest Hills Central and Muskegon, all very good programs. East Kentwood will continue to gain chemistry as the supporting cast gets familiar with one another, including a few transfers. Ja'Moni Jones is still one of the most talented players in our area and can dominate a game by himself. The Falcons will take on West Ottawa on the road on Tuesday and host Hudsonville on Friday in OK Red play.

19) Holland Christian 3-3 (-1)

Holland Christian is really good, despite the three losses which have come to Grand Rapids Christian, Grand Haven by four in overtime and Unity Christian by three on Friday night. David Kool's group is led by senior Ethan Alderink, who recently committed to Grand Valley and is a great defender who can also penetrate, create his own shot and shoot the three well. The Maroons will take on Zeeland West at home on Tuesday and travel to Byron Center on Friday.

20) South Christian 3-2 (-5)

South Christian has talent but the Sailors are fairly young and inexperienced on the varsity level. South fell to Wyoming, 80-72 on the road on Friday night and fell to Holland Christian back on December 13 by three. The Sailors will continue to improve as the season progresses and as the young players get more comfortable. Elliott Grashuis and Connor Dykema are two players to keep your eye on. The Sailors will take on East Grand Rapids and Unity Christian this week in two big tests.

Teams to watch:

• Forest Hills Eastern 4-2

• Fremont 6-0

• Hopkins 4-3

OK Conference Boys Basketball Projections & Players to Watch

Yes, this is probably crazy to do but why not? I'm projecting the OK Conference final standings featuring 30 players to watch in the conference as well. As always, you can tweet to me: @FOX17Zach or email me ( zach.harig@fox17online.com ) with comments/questions, just be nice and let's have some fun with it!

OK RED

Hudsonville's Justin DeGraaf.

Hudsonville - 11-1

East Kentwood 9-3

Grand Haven 7-5

West Ottawa 7-5

Rockford 5-7

Caledonia 3-9

Grandville 2-10

BREAKDOWN:

Hudsonville is arguably the deepest team in all of West Michigan. Four-year varsity player Max Perez leads the Eagles back-court with a front-court that is now playing incredibly confident. Senior Justin DeGraaf is playing confident as is forward Jack Joldersma. The Eagles also have a deep bench led by Ryan Chandler.

As for the Eagles in the OK Red, I wouldn't be surprised to see them run the table. However, East Kentwood is still one of the most talented teams in our area but yet to put it together. Once the Falcons get more games under their belt, the chemistry should increase and senior guard Jamoni Jones can lead East Kentwood to a victory against anybody.

Last season, Hudsonville's lone regular season OK Red loss came to Grandville who upset the Eagles at the start of the conference season. The Bulldogs are young this season and battle with Caledonia near the bottom of the conference. The Fighting Scots, meanwhile, bring back a lot of experience led by seniors Aaron Henry and Luke Thelen. Junior guard Kobe VanderWoude runs the point for head coach Phil Visser and the Scots are looking to notch their first conference victory since February 17, 2017.

Grand Haven and West Ottawa should be near the top of the conference once again. Tanner Wiegerink leads Scott Windemuller's Panthers this season and has played extremely well to get the team off to an unbeaten start. The Bucs, meanwhile, are really good again this season and also undefeated thus far. Greg Immink's Bucs will battle with the top of the conference including Hudsonville and East Kentwood.

Rockford is a team underperforming thus far this season but that's within reason due to the Rams injuries. Rockford plays really well on the defensive side of the ball but is yet to find a major scoring threat outside of Sam Krist thus far. The Rams could split with West Ottawa, Caledonia and Grandville this season.

OK GREEN

Unity Christian and head coach Scott Soodsma.

Unity Christian 12-0

Holland Christian 9-3

Zeeland West 7-5

Zeeland East 7-5

Byron Center 3-9

Hamilton 3-9

Holland 1-11

BREAKDOWN:

Unity Christian ran the table once again last season in conference play on the way to a state championship. In fact, the Crusaders haven't lost an OK Green game since January 26, 2016. I don't think that changes this season as Scott Soodsma's group is reloaded with talent led by senior Evan Nieuwenhuis and sophomore studs Drew and Cam Chandler. The defense is the most impressive part of Unity Christian's early season success after losing four starters from last season's team.

Holland Christian head coach David Kool.

Holland Christian is a team to watch for as well as David Kool's group is led by Ethan Alderink, who has impressed so far this season including in the comeback victory over South Christian. The Maroons can play with anybody and should be the front-runner to knock off Unity Christian and snap the Crusaders' win streak in conference play.

The Zeeland teams should be fairly even this season. Zeeland West might be underperforming so far this season led by senior Eli Steffen who has still played very well. However, across the street, Jeff Carlson has switched sides and taken over the Chix who are led by a talented junior class. Trip Riemersma and twins Nate and Brandon Claerbaut will be a tough trio to beat this season in OK Green. 

Joe Rodriguez takes over Byron Center and the Bulldogs shouldn't be slept on in conference play. While the Bulldogs are likely going to be in the bottom half of the conference, they're a team that can surprise some teams and play hard as well.

OK BLACK

Muskegon 12-0

Union 10-2

Reeths-Puffer 8-4

Kenowa Hills 5-7

Jenison 5-7

Mona Shores 2-10

Fruitport 0-12

BREAKDOWN:

Muskegon had its conference winning streak snapped to Reeths-Puffer last season at home in an overtime loss. This season, the Big Reds are loaded once again with Vernon Nash and Jarvis Walker making up one of, if not the best, backcourt in West Michigan. Keith Guy's team has already suffered a loss to Chicago Curie, one of the top teams in the entire Midwest which could help rally the team going forward.

Grand Rapids Union is a team to watch not only in conference play this season but in the postseason as well. This year's team is the best Brandoen Guyton has had led by Ray'Shawn Anderson, Jeremiah Pittman and Danyel Bibbs.

Reeths-Puffer, Kenowa Hills and Jenison will battle to be in the top tier of the conference, Lance Johnson's Rockets have suffered some tough losses so far this season but have played a tough non-conference schedule to prepare them for OK Black play. The same can be said for Kenowa Hills who loaded the schedule with Northview, Hudsonville and Coldwater.

OK WHITE

Forest Hills Northern and head coach Joe Soules.

Forest Hills Northern 11-1

Forest Hills Central 9-3

Northview 8-4

Cedar Springs 5-7

Ottawa Hills 4-8

Lowell 4-8

Greenville 1-11

BREAKDOWN:

Forest Hills Central

This is a conference that will be decided by standout duos: can Forest Hills Northern juniors Ethan Erickson and Trinidad Chambliss outshine seniors Jimmy Scholler and Mitchell Wilkinson of Forest Hills Central? No pressure. In all seriousness, the surrounding casts have been impressive around the duos as Joe Soules' group continues to get great minutes from the front-court, including Cole Rynbrandt, Ethan Morello and Dan Gutierrez. The Rangers, meanwhile, suffered a tough overtime loss to Forest Hills Eastern to begin the season but turned around and dominated the Hawks in the Cornerstone Holiday Tournament, 66-34 behind Scholler's 34 point performance.

Northview head coach David Chana

Northview sophomore Kyler Vanderjagt will lead the Wildcats. David Chana takes over the program and in his first season, the team is going to take some time to come together. Northview has an outstanding starting five behind Vanderjagt, point guard Avarie Simpson, Aidan Walker and Kaden Boucher.

Cedar Springs has shown a lot of improvement at times this season including in the Holiday Tournament win against Potter's House in which Bryce Marvel proved why he's one of the best teams in the conference. I see the Red Hawks potentially getting to .500 in conference play this season.

OK GOLD

Grand Rapids Christian 11-1

Wyoming 9-3

South Christian 7-5

Forest Hills Eastern 7-5

East Grand Rapids 6-6

Wayland 2-10

Middleville TK 0-12

BREAKDOWN:

I'll be honest, I have no idea what's going to happen in the OK Gold other than Grand Rapids Christian likely being at the top. Kobe Bufkin is arguably the top player in our area and despite just a 12 point performance against Rockford, his teammates picked him up to cruise to victory. Eric Taylor's Eagles, at least on paper, will be atop the OK Gold at season's end. However, Wyoming is off to an unbelievable start.

Wyoming's Menalito McGee is quickly emerging as one of the quietest superstars in West Michigan. The Wolves are unbeaten at this point this season and every victory has come by at least 19 points. Right now, I have the Wolves suffering three conference losses but that could end up as a bad prediction very easily.

South Christian is interesting. After returning just one player with a key role this season, the Sailors have reloaded with shooters. Junior Connor Dykema is off to a solid start to the season and could lead South Christian to another 9-3 record in conference play, though I have them at 7-5 due to their youth.

Forest Hills Eastern and East Grand Rapids are wildcats in the Gold this season. Eastern is led by Gage Krueger and Solomon White who are an impressive duo who helped lead the Hawks to an overtime win over Forest Hills Central to start the season. Jason Yelding's group should be better than last season's 6-6 conference mark. Meanwhile, the Pioneers are led by an outstanding defense. East Grand Rapids took a talented East Kentwood team to overtime, beat a really good Forest Hills Northern team by 14 points and held Rockford to just 25 points in a victory. The Pioneers will be interesting to watch for sure.

OK BLUE

Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Grand Rapids Catholic Central 12-0

Allendale 9-3

Sparta 6-6

Comstock Park 6-6

West Catholic 5-7

Coopersville 3-9

Spring Lake 1-11

BREAKDOWN:

Grand Rapids Catholic Central hasn't lost a conference game since February 17, 2017 when the Cougars fell to Allendale. TJ Meerman's group won't lose in OK Blue this season and along with Hudsonville, the Cougars are the most talented team from top to bottom in West Michigan. The Cougars feature shooters like Devon Boyd and Jace Williams with the front-court presence and size of Jack Karasinski and Mykel Bingham.

Allendale's Ryan Corner

Speaking of size, Allendale boasts 6'10" center Ryan Corner who has the ability to put the ball on the floor and drive a bit for a big man. The Falcons also have shooters of their own, including senior Bryce Nyboer who has had a solid start to the season. Joe Modderman's group might only fall twice in conference play (both to Grand Rapids Catholic Central), though I have them at 9-3.

The rest of the conference is up for grabs but Sparta has caught the eye of many early on in the season. The Spartans were just 2-10 in conference play a season ago but are 5-0 to start this winter off. Lance Roark's squad will likely battle with Comstock Park and West Catholic for third place in the Blue this season.

OK SILVER

Godwin Heights and head coach Tyler Whittemore

Calvin Christian 10-2

Godwin Heights 10-2

Hopkins 10-2

NorthPointe Christian 8-4

Kelloggsville 2-10

Belding 1-11

Wyoming Lee 1-11

BREAKDOWN:

I really don't see one team pulling away in the OK Silver the way Godwin Heights has done for the past decade or so. The Wolverines are led by two outstanding freshman in Jakhary Towns and Domarie Thompson who can play with any upperclassman in the conference. However, Calvin Christian has point guard Brock Stevens who has been impressive for the past few years and will be once again this winter. The Squires have played really well defensively so far this season with their length and discipline while playing a tough non-conference schedule. Calvin Christian will almost certainly improve on last season's 5-6 conference mark and 11-12 overall record.

Hopkins and head coach Jake Jewett

Hopkins has become a team to look out for in the conference as well. Seniors Drew Weber and Ty Zomerlei help lead a Viking frontcourt that is off to a really impressive start despite a tough non-conference schedule. Junior Colin Weber is one of the top players in the conference and can get to the rim against any defense. However, bench scoring will be interesting to watch for the Vikings and Jake Jewett's group and will be a key if Hopkins wants to have a chance to win the conference.

NorthPointe Christian senior guard Sam Vasiu is another player to watch and can do it all, including a tough shot from beyond the arc but also the ability to drive. The Mustangs will hope to get in on the four-team race and will hope to benefit from a tough early season schedule that featured Grand Rapids Christian, Forest Hills Eastern, Ionia and Allendale.

As a whole, I don't see one team running away with it. I think the OK Silver will beat up on one another all season long and it'll likely come down to the final week of the regular season to see which team, or teams are crowned champion(s).

30 PLAYERS TO WATCH (no order):

Hudsonville point guard Max Perez

Max Perez, Hudsonville

Justin DeGraaf, Hudsonville

Jamoni Jones, East Kentwood

Owen Ross, Grand Haven

Tanner Wiegerink, West Ottawa

Kobe Bufkin, Grand Rapids Christian

Mykel Bingham, Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Jack Karasinski, Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Devon Boyd, Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Jarvis Walker, Muskegon

Vernon Nash, Muskegon

Jeremiah Pittman, Grand Rapids Union

Ethan Erickson, Forest Hills Northern

Trinidad Chambliss, Forest Hills Northern

Jimmy Scholler, Forest Hills Central

Mitchell Wilkinson, Forest Hills Central

Kyler Vanderjagt, Northview

Bryce Marvel, Cedar Springs

Menalito McGee, Wyoming

Connor Dykema, South Christian

Eli Steffen, Zeeland West

Trip Riemersma, Zeeland East

Evan Nieuwenhuis, Unity Christian

Cam Chandler, Unity Christian

Ethan Alderink, Holland Christian

Ryan Corner, Allendale

Jakhary Towns, Godwin Heights

Colin Weber, Hopkins

Brock Stevens, Calvin Christian

Sam Vasiu, NorthPointe Christian

Mental health doesn't discriminate

Anxiety doesn't discriminate. You can have the best job, friends, family, support system, none of it matters when anxiety takes control of it all. Mental health is something a lot of people are ashamed of talking about. People think, 'I can't be the only one feeling this way' and you aren't, but society has a way of making you feel as if you need to keep it all inside.

I understand that feeling because that's what I've experienced for the past few years. I knew my family history and the battle with anxiety and mental health but I told myself I'd be better than that. When I was a teenager and my family told me about the anxiety that runs in the family, I thought 'there's no way I'd ever let that effect me.' Truth is, you can't control that because again: anxiety doesn't discriminate. Sure enough, anxiety has slowly but surely taken control of many joys in my life over the past year or so, including relationships, motivation to do things I love, and stress levels. Everyone assumes you have it all because of the job you have, car you drive, money you make. Often times, none of that matters because on the inside, you can be feeling the exact opposite and complete emptiness.

Putting on a face and masking those emotions is a problem with today's society, the society that is still trying to act as if mental health problems don't exist. But they do, they're real and that's why I've chosen to write this.

For years, I've been afraid of opening up to anyone about the battle inside of my own head. In fact, only a few people in my life actually know while the rest see the pictures posted on social media and the things I do for work thinking, 'wow, he just has it all.' In reality, I am lucky to have a girlfriend by my side who understands my problems, many times better than I even do. Anxiety can come at the worst time because again, it doesn't discriminate. It can drive insecurities, fear and worry through the roof and take control of your every day life, but it doesn't have to. You too, can be open with those around you because mental health is something we CAN be open about without fear of the push back.

Yes, this is exactly where I've wanted to be my entire life. I'm working in my hometown for a station that gave me a chance to gain experience when I was in high school. I love my coworkers, my station, everything about my job, but anxiety doesn't discriminate. Anxiety can take the motivation, passion, and love you have for something and rip it right from you hands without explanation. Then, you're left trying to describe to those close to you what's wrong with you or how you're feeling, when in reality, you yourself have no idea. Your heart will race, your mind will wander, you will in a sense, lose your focus on the world around you and you can't describe why or what is happening. Finding ways to cope with the anxiety takes time and it takes talking and listening, something that I've learned over the past few months especially.

Those that know me know I've always been a happy go lucky kind of person, always laughing and smiling, never showing when I have a bad day. The problem is that there are hundreds of thousands of people just like me -- and that's why I'm writing this. In today's world, it's easy to cover something up with a post of a picture on social media when beyond that post, that person could be struggling as well.

The moral of the story is never judge a book by its cover. Never think it's okay to say something 'jokingly' to somebody that you think can take it because that could be the point of their day that pushes them over the top. The happiest looking people in life can be those with internal demons as they continue to mask what they're feeling on the inside. It doesn't have to be that way anymore.

Again, anxiety doesn't discriminate and it's time we take a stance around the stigma of mental health. It's okay to not be okay. As for me, I'm fortunate to have the people around me that I do. My girlfriend and family have both been there for support and know when to talk and when to listen. I have people around me that understand the moods I can go through and how to help me fight out of it. However, for others, that may not be the case, so simply be nice to anyone and everyone. It's important for me to tell my story because those who are fighting through mental health issues don't need to hide it anymore, we can be open to talking about it.

I'm not writing this looking for empathy or attention, I simply wish to connect with others going through a similar situation.

Remember, no matter how beautiful somebody's life looks on the outside, they too, can be struggling. Be nice to somebody today and be that change that you one day want to see in the world.

Tips & Advice to Aspiring Broadcasters

I totally understand, why is a 22-year old writing about advice and tips for aspiring broadcasters when he's so young himself? The truth is, if you are in or wanting to go into broadcasting, I've probably been in your shoes. Ever since being in fourth grade, all I wanted to do was talk about sports on television and there are a lot of people like me, whether it's sports, news, radio, etc. I got my start in this industry at the age of 15, where I was learning how to shoot and edit along with editing the scores that scroll in the ticker every night. Once again, I'm not trying to write this about me, but my experiences may help someone reading this along the way, so I will be reflective. Nevertheless, here are my tips and advice to someone who wants to go into broadcasting because over the past seven years, I've received a lot of this advice myself.

1) Stay True to Yourself

This is first and foremost and goes along with anything else you do in life. Find your passion and stick to it. For me, it was sports and as mentioned, that's all I wanted to do. Nobody knows yourself better than you so don't let anyone tell you otherwise. If your passion is in sports, stick to that. For me, I always told myself I would never consider doing news, even if the money was better. For years, that had been my story: sports over news no matter the pay, I truly built myself on that. In reality, when you have an offer to do news and hear how much better the pay is than in sports, you contemplate it. Don't. If you went into this industry to do one specific thing and that's what you have your heart set on, then do it. However, there are some fine lines that come with that, which brings me to my next point.

2) Learn It All

Never limit yourself... ever. If someone asks you to do something in this industry, you do it. Yes, it does contradict my previous point but understand where I'm coming from here. There may come a time when you don't want to do something or it isn't where your passion is, that's okay as long as you never lose sights of what you truly want to do and where you want to be.

For example, if you want to be an on-camera talent: learn how to edit, produce, script, shoot highlights, run audio, studio camera - anything and everything. It is invaluable to know the ins-and-outs of television or radio and ensure you understand where the problem lies when there is one. Truth be told, there's thousands of people that are out there just like you, so what's going to make YOU stand out? Be dynamic, never say no, learn something and then perfect it. If you learn a certain role and bolster it, chances are people around you will notice and more opportunities are going to come for you, that's when you truly prove your worth in the workplace.

3) Get Criticized

There's nothing worse in this industry than someone who can't take criticism. Embrace it. Ask for second and third opinions, tell them to be honest when critiquing you and let it make you better. There will be people that criticize you perhaps too hard, but I'm a firm believer that there's no such thing. The harder someone is on you, the better and I think that goes with any industry. I've had several professors and mentors that I've been extremely close to but when I ask for their opinion on something I had done, they'd rip it apart. I was confused and thought 'maybe I'm not cut out for this' but looking back, it makes you so much better. Thicken up your skin and get the feedback because when the same honest person that has been ripping you apart then turns around and tells you 'great job,' that's something to feel outstanding about. I can't emphasize enough: get critiqued and let criticism better you.

4) Don't Be Afraid to Hear 'No'

Ask and you shall receive is something to live by. That obviously comes within reason but for me, this was a big thing I had learned from many veterans in the industry. For example, my freshman year of high school I had a job shadow with a sports department at a television station. I obviously loved learning during my experience at their station so I went home as a 14-year old high school student and wrote emails to all four stations in my area asking them if I could intern for them. They all shot me down, obviously, because I couldn't receive high school or college credit for an internship. That's when one station took a chance on me and brought me in as a 'long-term job shadow' so to speak. I ended up spending three years at that station and got hired on as a freelance sports cameraman when I turned 18.

So yes, ask away. If there's something you want to do, ask someone who can get you there. Ask your college advisor or professors if they know of internships or if they can help you find something to get you into the industry. The worst someone say is 'no' and when you come to that realization, you will be much better off, no matter your career choice.

5) Choose Passion over Money

We all want to make money, that's a given. However, a lot of times in the television industry, it's not all it's cracked up to be. Many people think that people on their TV-sets are making triple-figures and bringing in so much more than the average person but in reality, that's often not the case. You have to put money aside and swallow your pride, the money will come. Especially when starting out in television, you'll have to take some lumps financially and figure out how to make ends meet but think about why you're in the industry.

A former high school advisor of mine once told me how broadcasters make very little money and that I should not go into the industry. He was animate about it: find something better to do where you can make more money. Nope, that's not me. I wanted to be a broadcaster and sure, money has been tight but work your way up and make it happen, you control your destiny.

6) Remember Why You Started

Nobody is going to die because of you, it's a harsh truth. As broadcasters, we aren't performing open-heart surgery or putting our lives on the line (in most cases) and that's something that has helped bring me back to my passion if I start to get even somewhat burnt out. So why did you want to get into broadcasting? What do you envision yourself doing? When you start to get exhausted and tired of the industry (believe me, you will have days like this) remember why you started. Back to point A, you could be in broadcasting, or you could be in a different profession with a lot more on the line in terms of putting other people's lives in your hands, it really helps to put things into perspective.

7) Bring A Work Ethic Every. Single. Day.

No days off. No quit. The television industry is busy, people are always trying to get their start. So again, what's going to make you stand out? Work ethic. It's that simple, if people around you (bosses, former co-workers, etc.) see that you're working hard to get to where you are, the respect level rises. Meanwhile, if you're coasting on what others do for you, nothing will lose your reputation faster. Be a busy body, do it all and never have a bad day. Especially when you're new at a station or workplace, show them how hard you'll work to get to where you want to go, you'll be surprised where that'll get you.

8) Get to Know Every Fellow Broadcaster You Meet

Shake hands, be sociable, get on LinkedIn. You'd be amazed how many opportunities can arise from getting to know people. In television, there's a fairly high turnover in terms of people moving onto bigger markets and that's where this comes in. Let's say you get to know someone at a station you're interning and they get a job elsewhere and that station likely has other job openings, that's where connections come in. Having connections across state lines and across the country is an invaluable asset because you never know when your name might come up. We live in a world of social media so follow the people you look up to and interact with them. Again, prove your worth to them and if they move up, you could too.

9) Don't Let Social Media Ruin You

Please, do not let this generation ruin your career. In today's society, we love to vent and take our frustration out on social media and I'm as guilty as any. Either way, keep the profanity and other things you wouldn't want a boss to see off of your accounts. A former mentor in this industry once told me, "if you wouldn't want grandma to see it, don't post it," and that stuck with me. When adults tell you that bosses will look up your social media accounts before even interviewing you, they mean it. Do not apply for jobs until you clean up your act on social media.

10) Identify Your Goals

Do you want to work in a bigger market or do you want to stay close to your family? Decide what you want to do ten years from now. You may not have specific goals but it's important to at least know if you want to be in a big city or stay close to home, because those could limit your ceiling and potential. The more adventurous and 'up for anything' you are, you'll have a better chance of thriving in the industry, but different people want different things. Goals can change, however, so don't be so stubborn that you ignore your internal feelings.

There you have it, if you want to go into broadcasting, here are my personal tips for you from over six years in the industry and working around a lot of different people. I've had a lot of help from a lot of people and learned so much from them, now it's up to me to try to share that. Questions? Comments? Concerns? Don't hesitate to reach out to me on Twitter or Facebook. Thanks for reading.