The Man, the Myth, the Manager: Yohannes Werede

SEATTLE - Yohannes Werede, senior, basketball manager, and jump-shot savant is one of the behind the scenes pieces to O'Dea's success. His love for basketball has stuck with him throughout high school, and is now able to extend that passion towards the team.

Backstory

As a freshman, Werede had tried out for the O'Dea basketball team, he had a good experience doing so, but got cut. He continued to play AAU basketball in the summer and Parks and Recreation ball in the fall.

During sophomore year, the infamous COVID-19 year, Werede continued his support for the Irish basketball team. "I went to all the games still, even during COVID," Werede states. He tried out once more, and continued to play AAU ball.

His junior year was pivotal, Werede, spent most of his lunch time with assistant coach, Ryland Brown. Him and Werede watched film, talked basketball, and Coach Brown always asked Werede about certain matchups the Irish were taking on that week. Coach Brown valued his opinion and knew about his knowledge of the game, and brought to Werede's attention of being the team manager.

So, Werede took him up on the offer.

Role

Werede took on the tasks of tracking statistics, setting up film, getting basketballs prepped for practices, and washing jerseys. He splits these responsibilities with other manager, senior, Andrew Beyer. "AB's my guy, we work together well, and get tasks done twice as fast," Werede says.

Werede also plays a part in the locker room, with him being friends with most of the players. He's always keeping guys loose and making the locker room environment an enjoyable place to be.

With Werede being on the sideline, he also gets the chance to watch some great basketball. The rivalries, the high scoring matchups, and tight-knit games, Werede has a front row seat. "That Rainier Beach game this past week had to be the best, it was a great game, and the locker room was goin' crazy, we were having a lot of fun," Werede states.

All in all, Werede, in his final year of high school, is giving it his all by being the main guy behind the scenes of this successful O'Dea team making its way through the state playoffs.

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You can see Yohannes Werede and the rest of the O'Dea squad at Bellevue College, tonight going up against Bellevue at 5pm. Students: Tropical Theme Mandatory attendance!