Local Chittenango basketball player excels on court through 3-sport background

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Alex Moesch, a three-sport athlete at Chittenango High School, was doing defensive pick-and-roll drills with his basketball coach when he realized the drills were very similar to a drill he runs consistently on the lacrosse field.

“I felt like I had a better (understanding) of the defense…personnel-wise it’s the same for basketball and lacrosse,” Moesch said. “It was easy for me to read the defense.”

In each sport’s most recent season, Moesch averaged 19.6 points per game in basketball, tallied 25 goals in lacrosse and has shot as low as a 36 in golf. His primary sport is basketball, which he is set to play at Hobart College in the fall. But while he’s still in high school, Moesch has challenged himself to compete in as many sports as possible.

Moesch developed a love of all sports from his father, who introduced him to different sports and encouraged him to continue to participate and ignore setbacks. His father coached him for the majority of his athletic career.

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“He’s always talked to me about body language,” Moesch said. “If you miss a shot, it’s not the end of the world.”

Moesch acknowledged the fact that, while other players could put their full focus on one sport, he has to divide his time among three. But he said the positives still outweigh the negatives.

“It makes you a more diverse person,” said Tyrus Kelly, Moesch’s close friend and basketball teammate. “(He has) the mental endurance of being in a slump but being able to get out of it and know good things are to come.”

Chittenango basketball coach John Clancy noticed that Moesch had built up skills from other sports that translated over to the basketball court. Clancy explained that, in lacrosse, Moesch is constantly getting “beat up,” which has helped him to be a better defender in basketball. Playing golf also had an impact on Moesch’s game on the court, Clancy said.

“His concentration is pretty unwavering,” Clancy said. “High school rivals know this and are already setting their game plan around how to limit Moesch’s impact.”

Even as Moesch continues to focus on basketball at the college level, he plans to continue playing golf. His success as a multi-sport athlete has helped him understand his responsibilities as a top player.

“He likes to lead by example,” Kelly said. “He’s always trying to look for what’s best for the team.”

Clancy stressed that Moesch appreciates the grind of daily practices and is an avid film watcher. Moesch said he often takes it upon himself to compete with the younger players, showing them what it takes to succeed at a high level.

Brandon Barnard, who plays lacrosse and basketball with Moesch, said that Moesch’s mindset has rubbed off on his teammates and that he’s a “really good role model,” partially because of how composed he is. Younger athletes often seek out Moesch to ask questions, Barnard said.

“I’m always telling (them) don’t worry about it, you’re young, you’ve got time to get better. I’m just trying to keep [our younger players’] positivity up.” Moesch said.

At 190 pounds, Moesch knows he’ll have to add some mass by the fall if he wants to have success in college. He plans to use Hobart’s workout program during the summer to prepare himself for the season.

Moesch recognizes the positive impact that basketball has had on his life and, before leaving for school, has used his notoriety to mentor younger athletes in his community whenever possible.

“This little kid and his dad came up to me…and he asked for a picture…it was a very surreal moment for me,” Moesch said. “I used to always be the guy asking for pictures.”