Court and classroom

Audrey Blaine, visual managing editor| November 1, 2021

Ever since his father introduced him to the sport at age 5, Poniewaz has stuck with his passion of basketball.

The first thing Jeremiah Poniewaz tells you about himself is that he’s on the basketball team at KHS. He’s a point guard, and devotes time every day to practicing his craft — a sport that’s been a part of his life for nearly a decade. But Poniewaz is more than basketball alone. He puts school first. He prioritizes his family. And he’s a leader, especially for his team.

“The most important thing to me is to stay on top of grades,” Poniewaz said. For him, finishing his freshman year in high academic standings is what he considers his “proudest moment in life.”

Poniewaz knows that grades and basketball are intertwined. He knows they require balance. To fail classes means watching practice from the bench — it’s something Poniewaz has observed from his teammates’ experience.

“If I don’t do well [in school] then I can’t [go anywhere with] basketball,” Poniewaz said. “Watching [my teammates] struggle was a negative [experience] because they have to watch from the sidelines.”

Ever since his father introduced him to the sport at age 5, Poniewaz has stuck with his passion of basketball. So when he transferred to Kirkwood from McCluer North High School during second semester of the 2020-2021 school year, he was excited to play under the guidance of KHS head basketball coach and former University of Missouri player, Jimmy McKinney. He said Poniewaz works hard in sports and in his studies. McKinney said his demanding coaching philosophy enforces the idea that the court remains a place to learn.

“When you come into the gym, there’s also a curriculum,” McKinney said. “I don’t consider myself [his] coach. I consider myself [his] teacher.”

McKinney said that even as one of the youngest students on the team, Poniewaz’s success in school will ultimately help him reach new heights in basketball and beyond. He believes Poniewaz has several strengths. But, through McKinney’s eyes, he is most distinguishable by his leadership abilities.

“The greatest attribute about Jeremiah is that he’s a leader — off the court and on the court,” McKinney said. “He’s [also] a very, very good student.”

Aydan Trawick, junior, is a close friend of Poniewaz and transferred to KHS with him at the same time last year. He said they transferred during the middle of basketball season, which tested Poniewaz’s ability to adapt quickly. However, Trawick observed his resilience, especially in practicing after the season had already ended.

“He stayed in the gym [and] was working all summer,” Trawick said. “And [he] came out to be an even better basketball player.”

Poniewaz spends his weekdays after school at basketball practice, and comes home at night to a full household. As the oldest of five siblings, he said he stays busy.

“[With] two little sisters and two little brothers, sometimes it’s good. Sometimes it’s a lot,” Poniewaz said. “I make sure people are good before [myself].”

Alongside a focus toward helping others, Poniewaz has goals lined up for the rest of his high school career. With confidence, he spoke of getting boys’ basketball to a state championship in his time at KHS.

Alongside a focus toward helping others, Poniewaz has goals lined up for the rest of his high school career. Sophia Beckmann

“I’ve got two more years after this year,” Poniewaz said. “[During] one of those I want to win state, because Kirkwood [boys have] never won before.”

Poniewaz knows how he and the team will get there, and it’s not just through drills and scrimmages. It’s through a balance of athleticism and academics; court and classroom.

“Working hard every day, putting in extra and having good grades,” Poniewaz said. “That’s [how you reach] the highest peak.”