By Matt Browning
The talent has always been there for Maize South’s Michael Kates, as he was a first team all-league selection a year ago.
But now as a senior, Kates wants to take on more of a leadership role so that the Mavericks can reach their significant potential.
“I want to improve on making sure our team is fully invested this year, so I’ve been working on communication with our team a lot,” Kates said. “I feel like that has been our main problem the last couple of years and I think if our team is fully into their role of our team we will get the outcome we want.”
Maize South went 19-4 last season and bring back three starters this season, including Kates, who averaged 12 points while shooting 34 percent from behind the three-point line.
“I feel like we are going to have a very successful season this year,” Kates said. “I’m really excited how I think we are really going to bond as a team this year and make a deep runs this year.”
The Mavericks play a brutal schedule and in order to withstand the nightly rigors of the AVCTL Division I, Kates focused on getting his body right for the five-month grind.
“I’ve been making sure I’m working on my conditioning and body making sure I’m ready for the season, as long as getting my shots in after school,” Kates said. “Our guys have been getting lots of conditioning this off-season and making sure we are ready physically. Our team goals is to win for the first time in Maize South history.”
