M
ars Area sophomore Michael Carmody
has been wowing local basketball
fans since his feet first hit the court,
but this year he can add international
champion to his many athletic
accolades.
Carmody was one of nine basketball players—including
six from Ohio and two from Utah—on Team Ohio, which
recently won the Junior International Tournament held on
April 4 in Lissone, Italy. Team Ohio is part of an Amateur
Athletic Union (AAU) youth basketball program, and at the
international event it faced teams from the U.S., Canada and
Europe.
Carmody, 16, is the son of Rob and Stephanie Carmody.
At Mars Area, he is a member of both the varsity football
and basketball teams, as well as the National Honor Society.
“My mentors are my parents, my coaches and my brother
Robby,” says Carmody. “My brother inspires me to always
push myself to work harder to achieve my goals.” He is a
two-year letterwinner in basketball at Mars Area and has
played basketball most of his life. “Playing basketball at
Mars is the best,” he notes. “Our team is so close and we
have enjoyed so much success. This season we won our
section, the WPIAL Championship for the first time in
school history, and advanced to the state championship.”
The team was invited to play in the City of Palms—the
best high school basketball tournament in the country.
“On a personal level, I am able to experience playing for
my dad, who is the head coach, and alongside my brother,”
continues Carmody. “Being able to experience winning a
championship with them is something I will cherish for
the rest of my life.”
Carmody was selected to be a part of Team Ohio based
on his performance throughout this year’s season. He
and his brother had been members of the team prior to
the international competition. “Our team only had a few
days to gel together once we all arrived in Italy,” explains
Carmody. “We had to play teams that had been together
for an entire season or even longer in some cases.”
He stayed with an Italian host family for the duration
of the trip and was able to experience some of their
traditions and daily way of life. “One of the best parts of
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“On a personal level, I am able
to experience playing for my
dad, who is the head coach,
and alongside my brother.
Being able to experience
winning a championship with
them is something I will cherish
for the rest of my life.”
MARS AREA
❘
SUMMER 2018
11