The boys basketball team, with their win over Milton on Feb. 2, qualified for the postseason tournament. As a junior starter at the guard position, Isaiah Shephard, who goes by Ike, has played a major part in the boys success this season and in this particular game scored 12 points with 3 three-pointers.
Basketball is a major priority and a significant part of Ike’s life. He has been playing since the fourth grade. Currently, he plays AAU for Mass Elite Basketball Club and also plays for the Walpole Basketball Club during Walpole’s offseason. Last year as a sophomore, he split time playing for JV and varsity. This year, he was upgraded to a constant starter for the varsity team.
At the end of every season in the early spring, Coach St. Martin has an individual meeting with every member of varsity and recaps the players season and what can be done in the offseason to prepare for next year.
Coach St. Martin said, “I told Ike [last year] that he could be one of the best players in the league if he works hard and improves his ball handling and shooting. He worked really hard this offseason and it has paid off.”
Ike’s offseason improvements have been reflected by his consistent play all season. This season, he is averaging an impressive 11.7 points per game. He has made key contributions in important Herget conference games all season long: in January, he led the team to wins over Dedham and Natick with 18 and 19 points, respectively.
Along with his improved offensive output, Ike has solidified the defense this season. He is constantly in the passing lanes making steals and getting on the floor for loose balls. He also often has the job of covering prominent players on the opposing team.
“Ike has an amazing work ethic and even as a junior he is one of our leaders,” said Coach St. Martin.
Not only has this season bettered Ike as a basketball player, but it also has affected him personally as well. He said, “Playing for Walpole High School has done nothing but made me a better person, basketball player, and hard worker.”
Coach St. Martin said, “I am very proud of Ike and really proud of how he has improved as a player and more importantly as a person.”
As the Rebels are heading into their postseason, they will be looking for players to step up during the close and crucial games. Ike is a player the team depends on and will look to to keep their postseason life going.
“Anytime the game is close I can rely on Ike to get the kids motivated and be a great teammate,” said Coach St. Martin.
The Rebels capped off their regular season against Bishop Feehan with a 74-65 loss on Wednesday, Feb. 24. With an 11-11 record, the team was placed as a #19 seed in the Division 2 South Tournament. Their opening game will be at #14 seed Nauset.
