Catching Up With Triton's Tom Bashaw

The Daily News sports desk presents another installation of Catching Up With ... — a reader's chance to acquaint themselves with some of the best student-athletes in the River Rival Region. This week's student-athlete is Triton's Tom Bashaw, a 17-year-old junior with a 3.62 GPA and a scorer's mentality. The 5-8, 135-pound shooting guard averages 11 points per game and, despite his size, he is one of the area's leading rebounders, pulling down nearly 5.5 boards per contest. The Vikings have had a rough season at 3-16, but with a near-victory over Masconomet and wins over Amesbury and Fellowship Christian Academy, Bashaw and his fellow Vikings are poised to wage war against all comers.

1. Who taught you how to play basketball? And where did you refine your moves?

"I started playing at school in the fifth grade at Salisbury Elementary, and then in the sixth grade I decided to try out for the travel team at Triton. I guess I would have to say I learned how to play just playing pick-up games with my friends on the playgrounds during recess."

2. It's been a tough year for the Vikings, but how do you and your teammates stay focused and remain positive?

"We just try to take it a game at a time. We almost beat Masco and then we had a huge win over Amesbury; it's rising confidence that has kind of kept us in check, especially during the end of the season. We certainly get discouraged, but we just work that much harder in practice and try to improve."

3. You've established yourself as the go-to guy for the Vikings this year. What's it like to know that the ball is going to be in your hands?

"It's hard to explain. I was scoring well at the start of the season, and they just kept passing me the ball. I think it's mostly because my teammates have confidence in me."

4. Is there pressure involved?

"There's some pressure, because coaches will let me know when I'm not playing up to par."

5. Did you know that you were going to have this role coming into the season?

"Actually no. I was pretty nervous going into tryouts, because I wasn't even sure I was going to become a starter."

6. After coming off such a successful golf season, what's it like to struggle?

"It's extremely hard, because with golf we went undefeated. I wasn't even sure what a loss felt like. So leaving that and then going 1-13 in your first 14 games is tough. It made me realize that we weren't invincible like the golf team and that we needed to work extra hard just to be in games."

7. Do you have a favorite basketball memory thus far?

"Definitely beating Amesbury. It was our first league win and it felt great."

8. What type of job has Ryan Souliotis done in his first year as head coach?

"He's my favorite coach. He doesn't just drill us over and over again; he lets us play. That's the only way we're ever going to learn, by scrimmaging. He's also a great motivator when we're down. Whether he's yelling at us to think or play better, he does a good job of making us understand that we need to play harder."

9. How do you see Triton basketball next year?

"I think we're going to be good next year; with Charles (Anderson) and Collin (Smith) coming back, and Darren (Lewis) coming up big; and then we have kids coming up from the JV like Richard Fecteau and Cal Kneeland."

10. Who do you think is going to step up most next year and become a viable player in the Cape Ann League?

"I think Charles is going to really step up next year. I know he's going to work that much harder in the off-season and come back as one of the best point guards in the league."

11. Despite your stature, you kind of play like a big guy — grabbing boards and taking it down low — where does that come from?

"I just try to be aggressive and get my team some rebounds. I know I can jump high enough so I figured I might as well go after them."

12. With your help, I'd like to make a 'best of list' for your team. For starters, who is the best shooter?

"Definitely Darren Lewis. He's an amazing shooter."

13. Best dribbler?

"Charles, by far."

14. Best defender?

"This one's pretty tough. Probably Bryan Walsh, he's the most aggressive player I've seen on a basketball court."

15. Who has the best leaping ability?

"That would probably be myself or Sammy Ferrara — we're about the same. But Charles and Collin have ups too."

16. Lastly, who's the best teammate and why?

"Bert Comins. Every pregame and halftime speech he gives is great — they always pump us up. His speeches really motivate everyone on the team and he's just a great teammate to have; he hustles, he does everything you'd ever want."

17. If you were playing HORSE, what would be your finishing move/shot?

"Fade-away from half-court."

18. What's your favorite sport to play?

"It depends on the season. In the fall it's definitely golf, but in the winter it's clearly basketball. It really depends on the time of the year and the sport I'm putting all my time and effort into."

19. Favorite sport to watch?

"Golf. I'm one of the few, I think."

20. What pair of basketball sneakers would you rather own? Reebok Pumps, Air Jordan's or Nike Shox?

"I'd probably have to say Nike Shox. I've worn them for most of my career, minus this year (currently wearing Kobe Bryant's Nike Hyperdunks), and they've worked out well."

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