Basketball is not just a game about scoring the ball. It’s about communicating with your teammates and making wise decisions on and off the court. Every second of an intense game of basketball matters, whether the team is losing or winning. When it’s time to block a player on the opposite team or pass the ball, Drew Menick is the perfect guy for the job. Menick understands the importance of passion in a basketball game; it runs deep in his veins. He has played the sport for the last 12 years of his life and it is embodied in his character.
“I’ve been playing basketball since kindergarten,” Menick said. “My dad played basketball growing up and got me into the sport.”
Menick has been on the varsity basketball team since his sophomore year, having started on the junior varsity team his freshman year. Being an athlete at WCHS requires an individual to take the time to improve themselves by learning what it takes to be the best.
“I’ve matured, especially my sophomore year,” Menick said. “I got to see how my [older] teammates played and I was able to improve because of that.”
WCHS varsity basketball coach David Blumenthal has seen the work Menick has put in over the years, but their relationship goes beyond just basketball. In fact, Blumenthal taught Menick at Cabin John Middle School.
“I taught Drew in middle school, I’ve seen him grow over the last seven years,” Blumenthal said. “Not just as an athlete but as a person, he has grown into a strong leader and a great person.”
The WCHS varsity basketball team has gone through a lot of changes from 2021 to the present. The team has had to rebuild during the 2024-2025 school year after the several players graduated last year. Menick has been a constant force on the team and has been able to guide his teammates through tough and successful times. Menick plays the forward position at WCHS and is a starting player on game days.
“Drew is one of the only players left from past years,” Blumenthal said. “His teammates were spectators over the last few years and Drew is showing them the process of being a varsity athlete.”
Although Basketball takes up a huge part of his life, Menick can ground himself outside of the court to bring out the best his game on game day. Outside of Basketball, Menick can be seen with those close to him or spending his free time in the gym.
“I have a full day of classes and dedicate myself to school,” Menick said. “When I’m outside of my sport, I can hang out with my friends and play video games.”
With his WCHS Basketball career coming to an end, Menick has a lot of time to reflect on his experience as a player. One of the most important things about being on the basketball team is connecting with those around you at all times. In his final season, Menick has always been able to rely on his teammates to support him.
“I didn’t expect [my high school basketball experience] to come an end so soon so I’m cherishing each moment,” Menick said “During the basketball winter break trip this year, I was able to hang out with my teammates and truly bond with them.”
