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04/14/2016 12:00 AMBrad Cates takes the selfless route on the basketball court by concerning himself more with hustle points than lighting up the stat sheet. The senior did all the little things for Westbrook boys’ hoops this winter and it helped push the Knights back into postseason prominence.
Brad, a forward, was in his second year as both a varsity player and a captain with Westbrook in the recent season. Brad brought balance to the floor by averaging eight points and eight boards a contest to help the Knights finish 14-6 on the regular season, win a game in the Shoreline Conference Tournament, and then post two victories in states on their way to the Class S quarterfinals. Still, Brad wasn’t worried about his personal stats when it came to contributing to his squad’s success.
“I won’t be the flashiest guy out there scoring all the points, but I always pride myself on being the hardest worker out there,” Brad says. “I just did what my team needed me to do, whether it was a key put-back or rebound. We were successful this year because the guys knew what their jobs were and I definitely knew mine.”
In terms of his growth on the court, Brad says he took it slowly and simply let things come to him. He always tried to stay on an even keel and never wanted to get too up or too down.
“I just concerned myself with the patience of the game and letting things come to me and not trying to rush things. I try to take things one moment at a time,” says Brad, who also plays summer and fall league hoops. “It helps with high-pressure situations. It’s about evaluating things one play at a time and not dwelling on one bad play.”
One of Brad’s fondest memories was his final triumph as a Knight in a 77-70 victory over Canton in the second round of states this season. He also recalls a benchmark win over a top conference rival a few years back.
“We knew Canton was going to be our toughest opponent of the year going in. We knew we had to play hard defense because they were a great three-point shooting team. That was an amazing win. I usually try to keep my emotions in check, but I let it all out after that one,” says Brad. “Two years ago, we defeated Valley Regional, who went onto the state final that season. We always wanted to beat the top dog, plus that win showed what Westbrook could do.”
Longtime Westbrook boys’ hoops Head Coach Jeff Beeman proclaims that Brad is a once-in-a-lifetime player and not necessarily because of his stat line, but due to his character.
“Brad was the most-committed, hard-working, do-what-it-takes athlete I have coached. He never worries about himself. It is always about the team’s success,” says Beeman. “He had steady, measurable growth since his freshmen year. He was one of the finest young men I have coached in 30-plus years.”
Being a captain as a junior can be nerve-wrecking and Brad had to do so as a first-year varsity player two seasons ago. Brad endured some growing pains along the way, but it was all for the best, and he came into his own as a team leader in his senior year.
“Being my first year on varsity made it difficult as a captain, especially after we had a strong season the year before. It was a tough year as captain as I didn’t know what to expect,” says Brad. “After that, we were all more experienced, which helped make being a captain easier. It also made me push myself further.”
Brad will always appreciate the positive atmosphere that contributed to Westbrook’s success. In reflecting upon the strides his Knights made this year, Brad can truly say that his last run with Westbrook was his best.
“We really became a family this year. We treated each other like brothers in practice. We really felt like we could pick each other up when someone was down,” says Brad, who thanks the entire Westbrook coaching staff, along with his teammates. “The team really felt like a family, as well, because we were around each other so much in and out of school. This year was the best out of all of them with the success we had and I felt I left a good mark on my high school career.”