Caleb Bates (2019): An Interview
Caleb Bates has put himself in the conversation for this seasons Mr.Basketball. The 6’7″ star forward for Lake Shore High School has dominated most of the competition in his senior season. Bates is currently on a 4 game streak of scoring 30+ points…
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Continue ReadingCaleb Bates has put himself in the conversation for this seasons Mr.Basketball. The 6’7″ star forward for Lake Shore High School has dominated most of the competition in his senior season. Bates is currently on a 4 game streak of scoring 30+ points while still notching double digit rebounds. We recently caught up with Caleb Bates to talk about his game, the race for Mr. Basketball, and more.
Question:
What is the strongest part of your game?
Caleb Bates:
Versatility, I do what I have to do for my team to win. I’m a wing player who has the ability to post when needed to create match up problems. Driving the ball, shooting the three, mid range game all those boxes are checked. So, I work on taking what the defense gives me. Scoring 30 on the block and scoring 30 without posting up one time, I can do both.
Question:
What has been the key to your teams success?
Caleb Bates:
Understanding what they (my team) needs me to do. I scored a lot of points last year but that didn’t always translate into wins. Knowing when to score, knowing where to score, guarding multiple positions, talking, directing traffic on defense has helped, and our record shows it
Question:
What makes you a strong candidate for Mr. Basketball?
Caleb Bates:
We could start with my numbers over the last two years. But if people would watch me play you would see how I get those points. And appreciate how a player who gets double and triple teamed on a daily bases still produces. (27.1pts-14.7rebs). I fight 2,3, sometimes 4 guys to grab 1 rebound. But, I still point back to our record 14-2.
Question:
What would winning the award or being a finalist mean to you?
Caleb Bates:
It would mean the world to me, I put in a lot of work for the game I love. And just being on the ballot would show every kid in the state that no matter where you play you can be appreciated. But, I also know that the opinions of others never made me, so they can’t break me. I have a goal.
Question:
What do you think that you can bring to a program at the next level?
Caleb Bates:
I’m just scratching the surface, I cant wait to get in a college program and lift those weights, and sharpen my skills. I’m going to set some league on fire!!! You will hear from me again.
Question:
What goals do you have for the rest of the season?
Caleb Bates:
One word, “States”.
Question:
You’re an excellent student. What is your favorite class? Why?
Caleb Bates:
My favorite class is media. I like this class because I enjoy making videos and editing videos. It allows me an opportunity to interact with my schoolmates on a different level, outside of basketball. Just time to be Caleb, a normal high school student
Question:
Who is the toughest player that you’ve matched up with this season?
Caleb Bates:
Romeo Weems has always been my ultimate match up. He is the measuring stick for the whole state. By Romeo being out here in the MAC, I always have someone to compare my wins and my game too. Over the last two years our stats have been comparable. But, he does hold the series lead.