Christmas Break tan makes Grant the Best

Caravan basketball has been on a roll recently, advancing to another twenty-win season. They even defeated their Catholic League rival St. Rita in a packed Cacciatore Gymnasium in late January. Mt. Carmel has found their spark, and they have been red-hot since Christmas break. People have been wondering what the difference-maker has been this season. Is it DeAndre Craig’s offensive ability? The Ciaravino brothers’ chemistry? 

Actually, it’s Grant Best’s new tan.

Over winter break, sophomore Grant Best went on vacation to Mexico. He came back with a rich, dark tan that nobody else could pull off.

And before anyone asks, it is natural. 

“At his first practice back, the dude blended into the gym floor,” said sophomore teammate Cooper Kavanaugh. “He was taking a nap on the wood court before practice, and I nearly stepped right on him. It took me about five minutes before I could tell that there was someone lying on the court.”

Everybody thought that Best would be rusty after surfing waves in the Gulf of Mexico for a week, but he proved them wrong. In fact, he dominated the court. In a game against De La Salle on January 10th, Best had an immediate impact. Within a minute of checking into the game, he drew two charge fouls and hit a three-pointer. 

“I was just feeling it man,” Best said. “I mean, if I was an NBA2K player, my rating just went up by like 10 overall from this tan. It’s a big boost to my game. I think they should even add the ability to tan in 2K.”

As playoffs are right around the corner, Best leads the IHSA in charges with six per game. His defense has also been impeccable, which was on full display against St. Rita. He helped guard some of the best players in the country, such as James Brown, Nojus Indrusaitus, and Morez Johnson.

“It seemed like every play Grant was forcing a turnover,” senior teammate Richie Zoller remarked. “I didn’t even have to come over on help-side defense since guys were falling over so much. He was a beast on offense too. On one play he backdoored James Brown so hard that the guy fell, broke his glasses, and his shorts came down.”

After this play, Best advised the Mustang coach to sub out the big man. The St. Rita coach followed Grant’s recommendation, as all Brown was doing was picking up fouls.  

Not only has he been playing phenomenally on the court, but he has also been performing well in the classroom. Principal Scott Tabernacki is proud that a fellow Indiana guy has been representing the state well. 

“He’s always got his shirt tucked in,” Tabernacki said. “Every time I see him in the hallways he is in dress code. I get great reports from his teachers, and I’m just glad to see that not all the Indiana kids are spending their days in their backyard cornfields. He can even spell the name of that Lithuanian kid on St. Rita.”

Grant’s new tan has led to an all-around improvement to his individual abilities and Caravan hoops as a whole, and it shows every day. This tan has really made Grant… the best. 

Best was interviewed by Caravan Broadcast's very own Matt Malloy.