BRANDON BAILEY

SENIOR

Brandon Bailey was born in Eureka on Mother's Day of 1978. He moved to Loleta when he was 3 years old and continues to live there with his mother and sister. He attended Loleta grammar school grades K-8 and was honored with the citizenship and Peace Essay awards upon graduation. While attending Loleta school, he started playing basketball in the 5th grade. It turned out to be his favorite sport to play and has played basketball every year since that time. His "athletic years" really began when Brandon was 8 years old and joined a soccer team in Fortuna. On that team were some of his present basketball teammates Nathan Pearce and Jeff Wood. The following spring Brandon played little league in Fortuna. He played for two more years with the Loleta Giants and during his last year of little league was selected to be on the all-star team. During Brandon's 8th grade year he played youth football for the Ferndale Mustangs. He was the team touchdown leader and was named the teams MVP for the season. Upon entering high school, Brandon decided to concentrate on his favorite sport of basketball and just play the one sport. Brandon played on the Junior Varsity basketball team as a freshman and during his sophomore year, he was pulled up to the Varsity half way thru the season due to injuries of varsity players. Brandon felt odd at first, but the team made him feel comfortable. Brandon's advice for future Fortuna basketball players is to "always practice hard and never give up. Practice every day you can; it will pay off". Brandon's hobbies, other than playing basketball, are being outdoors doing things like hunting and fishing. Most important, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family. Brandon is looking forward to this year. Being his senior year, his main goal is to have fun. "The last two years have been exciting in the sectional playoffs and the first "Post Season" tournament at HSU last year against Hoopa I'll remember the most." Brandon's plan for the future is to go to college and get a good, high paying job. He will need it because he likes spending money! Brandon would like to give a special thanks to all his coaches and teachers throughout the years; and especially to his high school JV coach and 8th grade teacher, Ron McCullough. Most of all though, Brandon thanks his parents for being there every step of the way.