The art of basketball has been ingrained in Crew Lafferman since before he could talk, and now at just 9 years old he has secured two consecutive undefeated seasons.
For the past five years Lafferman has dominated the court at Pacers Athletic Center (PAC). He picked up the sport at the young age of 4 through the Smaller Baller League held at PAC, which allowed him to develop and grow from season to season.
As a 2033 Grand Park Premier Red player, it’s easy for Lafferman to see how his game can evolve based on the program’s design of growth and skill development, as well as its extensive alumni.
The Grand Park Premier program, housed at PAC, allows young athletes to establish their name in the sport before they graduate high school through championships and league play. In 2023 the Grand Park Premier 2026 team became 15U UAA National Champions. The program is also known for its alumni, which includes alum Braden Smith, who was the 2022 Indiana Mr. Basketball and who made his name in Purdue basketball history by appearing in the 2024 NCAA championship game.
Teamwork is a huge motivator in Lafferman’s play, as he strives to make teammates proud while also getting the chance to compete with and against friends.
“This season I was playing in a tough game, and we were down by 1,” he says. “I got an offensive rebound and made a buzzer-beater floater to win the game for my team. This was my first buzzer-beater shot that I made, and it felt good to help win the game for my team.”
Each success, achievement, and that most memorable moment all help him strive to become a stronger player, with the team always in the forefront of his mind. His young age doesn’t prevent him from having that team mentality, no doubt inspired by watching the Pacers in action, and the desire to create strong, trusting bonds among fellow teammates and friends.
Now, during his current formative years and as a versatile athlete, Lafferman partakes in baseball, flag football, pickleball and golf. Basketball always comes out on top, due to his skill set, talent and pure enjoyment of the game.
He continues to get inspiration from professional players like Steph Curry, his favorite shooter, the fellow athletes at PAC, and his coaches and family.
Lafferman says the coaches that inspire him are “Coach Braden and my dad, Coach Brandon. They have both helped me get better. My dad first taught me [basketball] and it was so fun, I kept wanting to play more.”
He gives thanks to his family for immersing him in a basketball environment, and taking him to his games. He also thanks all of his coaches for helping him to get better and making the sport what it is – fun.
As Lafferman grows each season, he will continue to make his mark in PAC and Westfield basketball history, as he can’t seem to get enough of the game.
