2024 Interview with the busy Ariyon Carter-Stills from North Hardin High School, KY

[newarkcatholicfan]

Ariyon "BEAR" Carter-Stills 

North Hardin High School 

MLB/RB 

2027

You are an active student-athlete. Would you share with the readers all of the sports and activities that you are involved in?

Spanish club
R.O.T.C
FOOTBALL 
BASKETBALL 
TRACK

As a younger player, how nervous, if at all, were you at the first varsity practice?

First practice I wasn't nervous at all. My dad has always told us to treat every practice not as a practice but as a game. My older brother Teddy was the starting RB, and I was just following his lead. He also let me know no one was going to take it easy just because we were freshman; they were probably going to go at us even harder.

What were your goals entering the 2023 season, and were you able to achieve those goals?

I came into 2023 wanting to play both sides of the ball, but my only goal at first was just to make Varsity. Once I accomplished that, I added more and more goals, like being a starter, then 
I wanted to achieve certain stats: tackles, forced fumbles, sacks, even a pick 6, etc. 

During the season, if you were struggling with anything football-related, which teammate or teammates did you go to for advice?

I think the teammate that helped me out the most would have to be my mentor, Mason Howard, our other senior MLB player. He was the guy I played side by side with, so we always wanted to be on the same page. He would always let me know if I missed an assignment or how to do things better, which I would say helped out my game tremendously. As far as encouragement goes, I think that would be my brother Teddy (RB) and cousin Ronald (WR), who both started on the offensive side. Let me know to keep my head up and just keep hitting.

Which position do you enjoy playing the most?

I originally came into the season wanting to be a two-way player, which is rare at our school with us being 6A. They both have their moments. I started out trying with the RBs, but once I knew I had a shot as a varsity LB, I went with what would get me on the field because that's what I enjoy about playing the game. I do love the excitement and rush of running the ball as well, but you need to be versatile if you want to play at the next level.

What did you learn the most during the season that you will use to be a better player in the future?

Trust yourself!! No matter what,.

Who was the best player you have ever faced, along with the sport and team he played for?

Probably Kade Goodin; he is a freshman this year as well, and I know how dangerous he can be at WR and Safety. We played together on the KY FBU as well as the KY Future Stars team, but this year we were on different sides of the field, and he transitioned to the QB spot at Collins High School. We faced them during a preseason scrimmage. During the game, it was all business between us, but we did have a few laughs and words back and forth.

Who was the best team you guys faced during the 2023 season, along with the reason or reasons you believe they were so good?

I would have to say Owensboro Catholic; they were just fundamentally grounded in the game with very few mistakes. 

What game were you most looking forward to heading into the 2023 season, as well as the reason you were looking forward to that game? 

Honestly, I looked forward to every game. Being a freshman, I had something to prove. I wanted to show everyone how and why I earned my spot.

Which road game during the season had the best overall atmosphere? Explain

I believe Central Hardin is a rival school across town, so it's always going to be a big game with a big crowd.

Do you believe private schools have an unfair advantage over public schools?

I think private schools have a huge advantage over public schools, as a lot of kids go to private schools to gain that advantage due to money for better facilities and trainers. Even with the way the classification is done, some private schools can have the same number of students but all males, which makes it easier to recruit a player for the team.

Which sport do you believe you are the best at?

Football has always been my go-to sport. I've been playing for 9 years and it's just come natural. The other sports are to help me stay conditioned for football so I can remain working hard in the off-season.

What were the high and low points of your 2023 season? 

I would say the highest point was probably Barren County. I was so zoned in that game that the air felt light and the crowd was silent. I ended that game with, I believe, 14 tackles. My lowest was against Owensboro Catholic. I was a lot smaller than their line, so it was a little harder for me to get off blocks, but I still had to make it work and play the game.

What is one food that you refuse to eat?

Honestly, there isn't really anything I don't eat. I love most food and like trying new things.

What scares you?

Failing 

What was the last book you read along with the author?

The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas

link to Interview with pics sent to me by the young man

https://hearltlandfan15.blogspot.com/2024/03/2024-interview-with-busy-ariyon-carter.html