ZS: How would you describe your role at Bishop Maginn and what responsibilities did you shoulder as the go-to guy and a veteran senior last season?
AS: My coach expected me to take over games, lead the team and make sure that everything was smooth and everyone knew their position out there. The key was making sure we would be in the best position to get the W every night.
ZS: Exactly what position did you play and where do you envision yourself playing at the ensuing level?
AS: I was a point guard. I had a role to score the ball a lot, so I was really picking up both. I was scoring and dishing and really trying to lead by example. At the next level, I think I can play both backcourt positions.
ZS: In averaging 28.6 points on the season, there were several games where you had to take scoring matters into your own hands and really shoulder the offensive weight. Which performance was most memorable for you?
AS: One of my most memorable games was the game at Berlin. I went for 41 and helped lead my team to the W. It went into overtime and it was a great game. There were other performances like this, but this one was the best by far.
ZS: What aspects played into your decision to do a post-graduate year?
AS: Basically, I wasn’t ready to make any decisions yet. I wanted to get stronger. Also, because I was a little young for a high school senior, I wanted to get more exposure and go in with that additional experience. Things like that led me to come to Scotland Campus Sports.
ZS: With guys like Jeenathan Williams, Jalen Hawkins, Buddy Boheim, Isaiah Stewart and now Class of 2019 guard Joe Girard evolving as a top-shelf recruit at Glens Falls, there’s an abundance of talent in the upstate N.Y. area. How would you describe the culture there and the draw to basketball over the years?
AS: I think basketball is definitely king up there. There’s not much to do, I think living upstate is evident in my game. You see it in my game, there’s a toughness factor that comes with it.
ZS: How did playing for the (Albany) City Rocks help you grow as a player?
AS: The past two summers, me playing for the City Rocks was a great experience. The exposure level, and the level that way played in with tournaments was great. I want to thank Jim Hart for everything he’s done for me—setting me up with coaches and workouts and everything like that.