We salute Hector as our standout boys basketball player at state
The best of teammates always think team first.
So even after his stellar individual performance, Samaad Hector still thinks first about what could have been, instead of what actually happened.
“As a team, we could have done better,” Hector said.
Perhaps.
But this team still accomplished more than any previous Skyview boys basketball team,
The school is now the proud owner of a sixth-place trophy from the Class 4A state tournament. It was a year of firsts for the Storm: A first trip to the round of 16. A first trip to the Tacoma Dome for what is now the final dozen. And a first trophy.
The Storm finished 25-6.
“We had a chance to win all six of those (losses), too,” Hector said.
Hector is a rebounding master. He is a great shot blocker. And he is fantastic with help defense, too. Yes, he is all about the team.
But today, right now, ClarkCountyToday.com would like to celebrate his individual accomplishment in the Tacoma Dome last week.
As we wrap up our winter sports season, we are naming Samaad Hector as our boys Statement Player of the Year — the athlete who played the best and/or had the most enduring moments in the final week of the season at the state tournament.
The 6-foot-4 post had the game-winning rebound and put-back basket in Wednesday’s elimination game, sending Skyview to the quarterfinals.
Then on Friday, in the consolation semifinals, with the season on the line again, Hector came up with a career-high 26 points to go with 17 rebounds. His third quarter — 12 points, 9 rebounds — was one of the best eight-minute periods of the season for anyone in Clark County.
“I think it was the best week of my high school career,” Hector acknowledged. “I’m proud of myself. It gives me a sense of confidence. It tells me hard work pays off, and I need to keep working to get to where I want to be.”
Hector expects to play small college basketball, perhaps at a two-year program first, then find a four-year school.
He certainly gained more options after his play in the dome. One two-year college coach was seen talking to Hector. It was confirmed later that the coach was not there to scout Hector, but Hector’s play was so strong that the coach had to inquire.
“They watch him and say, ‘That guy can play.’ I got multiple e-mails and coaches coming up to me,” Skyview coach Matt Gruhler said. “A lot of it has to do with how impactful to the game he is.”
In four games, Hector average 16 points per game to go with 10.5 rebounds. He was voted to the all-tourney second team. Teammate Alex Schumacher was superb, as well, scoring 19.8 points per game and being voted to the first team.
Now that the season is over, Hector and teammates can take time to reflect on how they became the best team in school history.
“I gave everything I had to Skyview,” Hector said.
Here are some of the other notable performances from Clark County boys basketball players in the final week of the season, making their own statements:
Alex Schumacher, Skyview: Scored 15 points, then 25, 19, and 20 in his four games. His 25-point game included 9-for-18 shooting against constant defensive pressure. Voted to the all-tourney first team.
Alishawuan Taylor, Union: Grabbed 18 rebounds in Union’s lone game at the Tacoma Dome.
Kameron Osborn, Prairie: Did a bit of everything in his team’s game at the dome with 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
Dante Heitschmidt, Prairie: Made four 3-pointers in the Falcons’ game at the dome.
Jacob Hjort, Columbia River: Made 16 3-pointers in River’s four games at the tourney, averaging 16.3 points per game. Voted to the all-tourney second team.
Nasseen Gutierrez, Columbia River: Double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds in the Friday win to assure a trophy for the Chieftains.
Nate Snook, Columbia River: 13 points, three assists, three steals off the bench in victory in Wednesday’s elimination game.
Caden Dezort, Columbia River: Recorded six assists in trophy game.
Evan Dirksen, Columbia River: Solid all-around performance in trophy game with 10 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.
Khalfani Cason, King’s Way Christian: Averaged 21 points in three games at state. Had nine rebounds and six assists in quarterfinals and followed that up with a 22-9-4 with four steals in consolation game.
Brady Metz, King’s Way Christian: Averaged 16.7 points in three games.
…
To see our girls Statement Player of the Year, along with more girls highlights from state tournament week, click here:
Making a Statement: Molly Edwards, La Center
