WESTBROOK – When it comes to rebounding, Trevor Bates of Westbrook has a simple yet effective method.

“I box out and go after the ball,” said Bates.

Additional Photos

Trevor Bates of Westbrook may be headed to the University of Maine on a partial football scholarship, but basketball and the tournament have his attention now. Gordon Chibroski/Staff Photographer

Bates uses aggression developed as an all-conference football player (fullback, defensive end) to average nearly 10 rebounds per game. That led the Southern Maine Activities Association.

That’s impressive considering that on most Tuesday and Friday nights, Bates, a senior, was giving up several inches to other centers in the league. Bates, who is 6-foot-2, compensates with his rugged frame and excellent technique. He also said timing and anticipating where the ball is going are keys to rebounding.

The seventh-ranked Blue Blazes (12-6) will need Bates’ rebounding and inside scoring when they play No. 2 Bonny Eagle (15-3) in the Western Class A quarterfinals at 9 p.m. Saturday at the Portland Expo.

“Trevor has had a tremendous year,” said Coach Mark Karter. “He came into the season with hardly any varsity experience, but he stepped into a starting role and has been a great captain and leader for us. He has tremendous footwork, a nose for the ball and he works extremely hard. He uses his body well. When the ball is in the air, Trevor is the one who goes and gets it at both ends.”

Bates filled in last season when Dominic Borelli was sidelined with knee problems.

Other than a few minutes to rest Borelli or Nich Jobin, Bates didn’t see a whole lot of minutes for Westbrook, which lost to Cheverus in last year’s Western Class A final.

Bates saw some action in the semifinal victory against South Portland but didn’t get into the final.

“Trevor was overshadowed by a lot of talent last season,” said Karter.

This season has been Bates’ chance to do the overshadowing. He was recently named third-team all-SMAA by coaches. He also plays baseball for the Blazes.

“Trevor is a three-sport standout. You don’t really see his type of athlete too much these days. If he makes the all-league team in baseball, you’ve got yourself quite a player,” said Karter.

Bates averages 11.2 points per game.

“Trevor is our go-to guy inside,” said Karter. “He’s been the focal point of our offense in the post. He’s done a heck of a job.”

When Sean Murphy, the 3-point shooter, gets hot, combined with Bates’ inside scoring, the Blazes have a strong inside-outside combination.

“I use my little post moves to get free for layups,” said Bates. “I’m not a middle-range jump shot type of guy.”

Karter said Bates’ confidence has grown with each game.

“Trevor has really improved. Football will always be his baby,” he said.

Bates has accepted a partial scholarship to play football at the University of Maine next fall.

“I think they envision me as an outside linebacker-defensive end type player,” said Bates. “I’m very excited about the opportunity.”

Bates got his size about the time he began high school.

“I used to be pretty small and played point guard until I broke my ankle in the eighth grade,” said Bates. “After that I wasn’t as active right away and started putting on weight. By my freshman year I was huge.”

Bates soon got in the weight room and replaced baby fat with muscle.

Bates doesn’t lift many weights during basketball season, but has been a regular with the weights in the summer and during football season.

He will be spending a lot more time in the weight room after basketball as he prepares for the challenge of playing football at Maine’s level.

Along with sports and his studies, Bates finds time to be a Big Brother to Josh, a Westbrook third-grader.

“He reminds me of myself when I was his age,” said Bates. “We have the same interests. It’s a great chance to make an impact on a youngster.”

Despite graduating four starters from last season, the Blazes have worked hard to reach this far.

“It’s been an interesting year,” said Karter. “For a team which didn’t have a lot of experience, to be 12-6 is a testament to the kids. They’re ecstatic to be making an appearance in the tournament.”

Ecstatic? Yes.

Satisfied? No way.

Westbrook lost twice to Bonny Eagle during the regular season.

Can the third time be the charm for Westbrook?

“I think our chances are good. Everyone is focused,” said Bates.

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be reached at 791-6419 or at:

tchard@pressherald.com

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