Male Athlete of the Week
Senior Zach Campbell has brought his usual hustle and court savvy to his fourth season on the Ida Baker Bulldogs basketball team. The 6-foot-5 forward also has continued to develop his all-around skills.
Many of those skills were on display last week as the Daily Breeze Male Athlete of the Week helped the Bulldogs earn three victories over Lehigh, 63-43, North Fort Myers, 78-42, and Palm Beach Wellington, 62-60.
In the win over Lehigh, a key District 5A-12 battle, Campbell had 12 points, seven rebounds, three steals and five blocks. He stuffed the stat sheet even more against North, finishing with 21 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and seven steals.
“He had one of the best games anybody has had in a Baker uniform,” Bulldogs coach Greg Coleman said.
Given his height and intense play, Campbell has been a strong rebounder throughout his career, but adding to his effectiveness is the ability to bring the ball up the floor and distribute it to teammates.
In addition, Campbell has become a better inside-outside scorer this season.
“He’s improved his shot a lot.” Coleman said. “Last year he was one dimensional, being able to score inside. He wasn’t as consistent of a scorer. With more experience, he now can score from the outside more and that makes it tough for a big guy to guard him.”
Campbell played a key role as a junior, averaging nine points, eight rebounds and three assists per game, as the Bulldogs went 15-12 – their best record in school history.
He is one of four key players returning from last year. Though the Bulldogs dropped some games earlier this season, playing against good competition, Campbell likes how the team has come together.
“We started out underachieving, but now we’re starting to pick it up,” he said. “We’re looking for a strong finish to the season.”
The Bulldogs (11-6) host Mariner Friday in a big district matchup.
Honorable mentions:
Etienne Effenberg, senior, Bishop Verot basketball: The 6-foot-6 forward scored 21 points in a 63-60 loss to Miami Coral Reef and 19 points in a 63-61 overtime win over Gainesville Williston.
Renato Proia, senior, Mariner soccer: Proia, a goalkeeper, did not allow a goal in three Mariner victories over Cypress Lake, East Lee County and Cape Coral, making a combined 16 saves.