Having attended Benton Jr. High since kindergarten, 8th grader Brodie Severin is proud of his roots. With both parents and his older brother as alumni, his connection to the school runs deep. “Benton has always been home,” Brodie says. “It’s where I’ve grown, learned, and played.”

His family’s athletic legacy also inspired his love for sports. While his dad played multiple sports and his mom cheered, Brodie has carved his own path as a standout basketball player and baseball pitcher.

Brodie’s basketball season is in full swing, and he plays a pivotal role as a shooting guard. Known for his three-point shots and sharp passing, Brodie helps lead the team with skill and focus. “Basketball is fast-paced, and I love the energy,” he explains. “I’m best at threes, but I also work hard to set up plays and support my teammates.”

On the baseball diamond, Brodie plays shortstop and serves as the team’s top pitcher. His curveball is his signature pitch, and he takes pride in his ability to handle high-pressure moments. This year, Brodie helped lead his team to a regional championship, earning a spot at State. While the team faced a tough loss, Brodie reflects positively on the experience. “We had a great season,” he says. “Winning regionals and competing at State with my friends was unforgettable.”

Brodie’s coaches emphasize his reliability and leadership, both on and off the field. He credits them for pushing him to excel in sports and academics. “Coach Gunner and Coach Pettit always remind us that school comes first,” Brodie says. “They’ve taught me discipline and the importance of hard work.”

Academically, Brodie excels with a near-perfect record of A’s and one B in math this year. Despite the late nights after games and practices, he prioritizes his studies. “Grades are important to me,” he says. “After a game, I make sure to get my homework done and study, even if it’s late.”

His favorite subject is geography, where he enjoys learning about different places and cultures. Brodie also values the supportive environment at Benton Jr. High, noting how educators like Ms. Sloan, Dean of Students and Mrs. Gibbs, K-8 Principal, create a positive atmosphere for learning.

For Brodie, sports are about more than just winning—they’re a source of life lessons. “The number one thing sports have taught me is discipline,” he explains. “You have to stay focused, work hard, and bounce back from setbacks.”

Teamwork is another essential value he’s learned through basketball and baseball. “The best part of sports is being with your teammates,” he says. “Practices, games, and just spending time together—it’s all about building those friendships and supporting each other.”

Brodie also participates in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), which meets every other Friday. The group, led by his coaches, focuses on faith and character development. “We talk about how to be better athletes and better people,” Brodie says. “It’s a great way to connect with others and grow.”

As he prepares to graduate from Benton Jr. High, Brodie looks forward to continuing his academic and athletic journey in high school. While he dreams of attending the University of Illinois someday, he’s keeping his options open and is excited about what lies ahead.

“I’d love to keep playing basketball and baseball as long as I can,” Brodie says. “But no matter what, I want to stay connected to Benton. It’s home.”