The season got started this week with non-district games beginning across the city. VYPE has previewed 22 public school teams in the city. Check out the season preview for the No. 2 Tompkins Falcons.
With a loaded lineup that is now senior-heavy, this may be the year for Tompkins, after reaching the Regional Semis before falling to Strake Jesuit, to take that next step – State.
The Falcons are loaded. Jace LaViolette is a 6-foot-5 outfielder/pitcher, who can crush the ball. The all-state star has signed to Texas A&M and has some serious talent.
Jack Little (Wichita State) is an all-state, corner defender, while Cash Russell (Temple JC) is a senior leader in the middle-infield. Solomon Rotberg (Erskine College) is a crafty lefty and Michael DeBattista is an ace from the right side, so pitching will be a strength.
Junior Landon West (Rice) will call balls and strikes behind the plate and is strong with the lumber. Up the middle is first-team, all-state junior Drew Markle (Ole Miss), who could carry the team along with LaViolette.
Also, watch out for Trevor Esparza on the mound, who is signed to Tyler JC. The expectations will be high and coach Kyle Humphreys will need to manage all this talent, which can be harder than expected. They are no longer the hunters, but the hunted.
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO BECOMING ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY-RECRUITED ATHLETES IN THE NATION, SEBASTIAN WILLIAMS-ADAMS HAS NEVER LOST SIGHT OF HIS VALUES.
The leading figure of the St. John’s School program has the skill to back his reputation. But it’s Williams-Adams’ mind that will shape his impending collegiate career.
“It’s definitely a blessing to be in the position that I am,” he said. “Third grade-me, who just started AAU basketball, could never imagine where I’d be at right now, and the things I’ve been able to experience through this game.
“When it comes to a school, I’m looking for a home environment that has a similar mindset to what I’ve been brought up in. Family has always been really important to me, so having some type of ‘home-base’ with a like-minded staff and team is what I’m looking for. I want to be challenged in order to get better, but I want it to come from a good place.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
He’ll have the pick of the litter, considering he recently narrowed down his choices to Auburn, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma State, and Purdue.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. His mother Kareema Williams was a college hooper herself, playing for both Wichita State and North Carolina in addition to being named a McDonald’s All-American.
Suffice it to say, she’s had a significant impact on her son.
“Obviously, I’ve always been in the gym since she’s been a coach (at St. Agnes) as well,” said Williams- Adams. “As I got a little older, I’d play with the team when I was allowed. Because of that, I’ve always had a ‘basketball- mind’.
“She’s always encouraged me. She would tell me, ‘if you stop playing basketball today, I’ll still love you the same. I’ve played my basketball. It’s time for you to follow your calling’. That frame of mind has made me feel liberated in a way. Even though we may argue at times over certain things, I know that I’ll have someone in my corner.”
Despite what his physical stature and talent may indicate, it hasn’t necessarily been easy for him.
As a role model, the 6-foot- 8 power forward had an insightful message to relay.
“You’re going to get frustrated,” he said. “People around you are going to get better, and it’ll feel like your days are really stacked. I’ve had that experience multiple times. Some people’s growths are step-by-step and others are more explosive.
“I wouldn’t say knock out all outside distractions because they’re going to get in, especially when you’re in high school. Stay the course and have faith in yourself to prove the doubters wrong.”
That mentality will certainly pay dividends as Williams-Adams and his fellow Mavericks pursue an SPC championship this winter.
More so than that, his well- adjusted determination is sure to come into play when he ultimately advances to the next stage.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
