By Chris Cox

Compared with most kids, Abilene senior Triston Cottone got started playing basketball a little later in childhood.

“I started playing in fifth grade,” he says. “I started playing because all of my friends were playing, and they talked me into it. But I like it 10 times more than other sports because there’s just a different energy to it. It’s a lot more fun. You have a team around you and are just having fun with your friends on the court.”

Cottone says his mom, Bonnie, and his coaches, specifically Kyle Taylor, have really encouraged him when it comes to playing basketball.

“My mom has really pushed me in basketball,” he says. “Also, my coaches have been really supportive of me and helped me a lot.”

When Cottone is on the court he says he has one main goal and source of motivation.

“I want to get the win,” he says bluntly. “I’m very competitive in everything I do. Even if it’s a little game with my friends. I just want to win.”

To get wins, Cottone knows a lot of work must go into being the best player and teammate possible.

“I like to stay after practice and shoot a lot,” he says. “I also try to push my teammates during practice to be the best they can. Coach wants us to keep a positive vibe and not get negative. So, I just try to help keep my teammates heads up, even if they aren’t having the best day.”

Cottone says he and his fellow Abilene Cowboys would like to get back to the state tournament after getting a taste of it last year. 

“We want to make it to state again and do better than we did last year,” he says. “We have a good team and are all very competitive. I feel like we can do it, but we just need to keep working in practice.”

Outside of basketball, Triston runs track and cross country for Abilene, two sports he believes helps him stay ready for basketball season.

“Those keep me in shape for basketball,” he says. “It’s two different types of conditioning but I feel like I stay in shape.”

Following graduation, Triston plans on running track and cross country in college while studying sports and exercise science.