Seventh grader J.P. Gaines has been playing basketball for five years.

He still plays baseball but gave up on soccer.

“I just thought I was better at baseball and basketball than I was at soccer,” he said. “I feel like they are more competitive and I have more fun playing the two that I play now.”

Gaines said his strengths in basketball are his shooting and in baseball he said he is a good catcher.

He admits he is going to start focusing on what he feels are his weaknesses.

“I need to do a better job at dribbling,” he said. “I can’t only be a shooter. I need to be able to drive to the basket and be able to dribble to make passes. In baseball, my hitting still needs some work. I can be inconsistent at times, but other times I do pretty good.”

Gaines said his motivation comes from his parents.

“My mom and dad motivate me because they try to improve everything I do,” he said. “They help me to do better and always have my best interest.”

Gaines wears no. 21 in basketball and no. 2 in baseball.

“21 wasn’t my choice, but no. 2 was,” he said. “I just feel like no. 2 is a lucky number and I like it.”

Gaines said he looks up to San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey because of his abilities on the baseball field.

“He is a really good catcher and is good at hitting,” he said. “He has always caught my eye and I have always enjoyed watching him play.”