Senior Gamble Aiming to Guide BHS Quintet to Tourney

By KEN HAMWEY, 

Bulletin Sports Writer

Multi-sport captains at the high school level so often go the extra mile when they’re emphasizing team chemistry, leadership and a strong work ethic, In Max Gamble’s case, add 1,000 yards to that extra mile.

 

A senior at Bellingham High, Gamble, who’s been a dynamic senior captain in football, will continue in that role for an inexperienced basketball team that will be facing major challenges against Tri Valley League opponents.

“My role in basketball will be to reinforce the need to work hard and to always give 100 percent,’’ Gamble said. “I know we’re inexperienced, but I’m hoping my leadership style will inspire others to step up.’’

Gamble, and three other captains in football, combined to help the Blackhawks go from a 1-3 start to a 6-3 record before being eliminated from the playoffs. At the Bulletin’s deadline, however, BHS still could win the TVL Small Division title.

“No matter what happens, I’m ready to go for the basketball season,’’ Gamble emphasized. “I’ve got lots of energy and I’ll use it to provide motivation for a team that has some question marks.’’

The 5-foot-7, 140-pound Gamble is a point guard who last year started in the backcourt with Ross Priscella, a two-way guard and TVL all-star who was the Blackhawks first option on offense. Gamble averaged 3.2 points, 2 assists and 1.1 steals, but he’s aiming for major improvement, both for himself and this year’s team. BHS last year finished 6-14.

“Eleven players graduated from last year’s squad, he noted, “but my goals are for us to improve daily, go .500 or better and qualify for the playoffs. We also want to be competitive in the TVL. For me, I want to be the best captain I can be, average 10 points and 5 assists a game and be selected as a league all-star. All these goals are realistic. Achieving a .500 record will be a challenge but our new players have a strong work ethic and will provide maximum effort.’’

The Blackhawks are inexperienced, but they’re not an overly young contingent. Most the players competed last year as jayvees. Three players who Gamble rates as potential keys are seniors Ryan Austin (center), John Doucette (power forward), and Zach Berkeley (quick forward).

“Ryan was a lacrosse captain last year, so he knows about leadership,’’ Gamble said. “He’s a great teammate who works hard. A 6-foot-3 center, he can rebound and block shots. That’s where he can make an impact. John is a strong forward who is a good mid-range shooter, and Zach is intense, strong on defense and a capable shooter.’’

The 18-year-old Gamble enjoys his role on the point and prefers to direct a fast-break offense. “Playing the point is like being a quarterback,’’ he offered. “It’s a take-control position where you read the defense, then react by finding an open man or a favorable match-up. I’m a pass-first point guard but on defense I’m scrappy, aggressive and aim for steals and deflections. I like it when we employ a full-court, pressure defense.’’

Gamble hopes to lead by example and be a communicator who’s supportive. “Being named the team’s captain is my top thrill in basketball,’’ he emphasized. “That made me realize the coaches like my work ethic and leadership style. It also shows they trust me.’’

His coach, TJ Chiappone, knows he can heavily rely on Gamble.

“He meets situations head-on,’’ Chiappone said. “He’s a go-getter, bringing lots of intensity to the game. His makeup is to tackle any challenge and any form of adversity. His strengths include a high hoop IQ, athleticism, foot speed, stamina, passing and leadership. On defense, he’s a game-changer because he’s an excellent on-ball defender. 

“Calm and cool, he’s respected by teammates, especially younger players. The hardest worker in the gym, I admired the way he got kids to work out during the off-season and recruited younger players for our open-gym sessions.’’

A preview of what Gamble can provide this season might be what he delivered last year in a triumph over Holliston. “That was my best game,’’ he said. “I scored 18 points, hit 4 three-pointers and had 5 assists. Our team chemistry was superb, and everyone contributed.’’

Gamble’s competitive philosophy focuses on reaching his potential. The honor-roll student plans on majoring in business in college and says that playing sports is a possibility at that level.

The Bellingham native’s goals in football were to defend the TVL Small Division championship and qualify for the playoffs. No tourney berth occurred, but capturing the division title was still possible. BHS was 4-0 in the division, but defense of the division title depended on the outcome of the Norton game on Thanksgiving, which was played after the Bulletin’s deadline.

A wide receiver and corner back, Gamble compiled some outstanding statistics through nine games — receiving (24 catches for 495 yards and 5 TDs); rushing (20 carries for 195 yards and 4 TDs); and passing (1 completion for 45 yards and 1 TD).  

“Max has been a good leader for us,” said Football coach Dan Haddad, “He’s always positive and leads by example — do as I do, not as I say. Even during tough times his attitude never waivers. And, he always defies the odds that size matters; Max proves it doesn’t. He’s explosive as dynamite on the field.’’

Eager to end the Blackhawks tourney drought, Gamble looks forward to the Blackhawks basketball season opener at Norton December 13.