Mark Williams

What separates senior Mark Williams from the other scoring point guards in Class B West is that he is a true playmaker.

He enjoys making a play for others as much or more than he does for himself.

He makes his teammates better.

“When he is out running the break with his teammates running with him and spacing the floor, its a beautiful thing for me, and probably a nightmare for opposing coaches,” Lake Region varsity boys’ basketball coach J.P. Yorkey said. “Mark changes the game. Teams who press, won’t press us. Some teams who play man-to-man all season, bail out and play zone against us. Most teams won’t let their point guard bring the ball up because of Mark…They will have someone else do it, even sometimes a center.”

Coach Yorkey says Mark Williams is a special player and a special young man.

“He may be one of the smallest players in our conference, but he is also one of the best players in our conference. It is certainly fun to watch him play, as our fans have found out, because of his amazing speed, quickness, ball handling skills, and his unbelievable jumping ability,” the coach said. “Mark is 5-feet 6-inches (I’ll give him 5’7” if he wants it) and I have seen him dunk the ball. Every one of his rebounds are what I would call ‘loud’ rebounds — they are stunning, and more memorable than several rebounds by most players on any team.”

Despite his size, as he is also “very light,” Mark is among the toughest players that Coach Yorkey has coached in 24 years.

“When he drives to the basket, he is often hit by players that outweigh him by 50 pounds or more. His little body takes a beating and somehow he finds a way to finish,” Coach Yorkey said. “Mark often gets knocked to the floor, lands in a heap and gets up and plays. He manages pain very well. Not too many high school kids do what he does.”

Mark has had season highs of 28 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists this season, and has averaged over 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assist per game.

“My only regret is that I wish we had Mark longer than just the two years. He came to us during the spring of his sophomore year from San Diego. Mark fit in right away with our players, and became part of our basketball family immediately,” Coach Yorkey said. “As good an athlete and basketball player as he is, he’s an even better kid. He’s a great teammate, a joy to coach, plays hard all the time (a great practice player, too), and is a good citizen. All of our players are great at working with the younger players in our community, including Mark. He loves kids, and kids love him. He’s an excellent youth coach — knows the game, can teach it, and relates to kids.”

In recognition of his strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Mark is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed T-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

The Williams File

Name: Mark Williams

Year in School: Senior

Town: Casco

Parents: Mark Williams and Carolyn Todd

Sports you play: Basketball, track & field

School organizations: Varsity Club

School honors: Player of the Week

Q. Best piece of advice you have received?

MW. My brother always says, “Get knocked down five times, get up six.”

Q. Who is your biggest fan?

MW. My brother is my biggest fan because I’ve always wanted to be like him, a point guard bringing the ball up the court and now he’s watching me.

Q. I know I have had a good sports day when…

MW. I know I have had a good sports day when I can barely walk after a game or practice.

Q. What is your favorite sport?

MW. Basketball, because I love the work you have to put into it, the fans, my teammates, just everything about it.

Q. If I could change one thing about myself as an athlete, I would change…

MW. Maybe grow a few inches.

Q. What qualities make for a good teammate and whom do you consider a good teammate?

MW. A good teammate makes everyone around them feel better. We’re all good teammates, but Sam Smith is one who always pushes us and just loves the game.

Q. What do you believe you bring to your team?

MW. I believe I bring humor to the team.

Q. What characteristics do you feel make for a good coach?

MW. You got to be organized.