Interview with Bishop Miege 2017 Shooting Guard Semaj Ray
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
In the 2014-2015 season, Bishop Miege advanced all the way to the state championship game where they suffered a heartbreaking loss to McPherson, 79-68. This past year, the Stags once again reached the title game and faced McPherson fortunately the results were different as Bishop Miege won their third state championship and first since 2010 by a final of 69-59.
During their championship season, the Stags scored 63 points on average and gave up an average of 52 points a game. One of the leaders for the team over the past couple years has been shooting guard Semaj Ray.
The 6’2”, 180 pound, senior uses his athleticism both on the defensive and offensive side of the court. As a junior, Ray averaged 13 points a game.
The Class of 2017 recruit is currently receiving interest from Nebraska, Florida Gulf Coast, Denver, Drake, Air Force, IUPUI, and Western Illinois.
Ray not only works hard on the basketball court but also in the classroom where he has a 3.0 GPA has and has plans of studying engineering in college.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview I sat down with Semaj to talk about his career at Bishop Miege High School and his recruiting process.
Interview
What are your thoughts on last season?
“I think I had a pretty solid season. We won state against the team that beat us the previous year so that was good.”
What are your thoughts on your individual performance last year?
“I did really well and led my team to the championship.”
What were your stats last season?
“Thirteen points a game.”
Did you receive any individual honors?
“All-State, and first team All-League.”
What are your strengths on the basketball court?
“My defense and getting to the rim.”
Do you have any college offers?
“No, not at this time.”
Do you have any personal or team goals going into the new season?
“To get player of the league and be All-State in 4A. The team goal is to win state again.”
What game on the schedule are you most looking forward to playing?
“Looking forward to playing our rivals… St. Thomas Aquinas and Blue Valley Northwest.”
What is your GPA?
“3.0.”
What do you want to study in college?
“Engineering.”
Is there a current NBA player that you try to model your game after?
“Russell Westbrook.”
When will you decide on what college to commit too?
“I will commit to a college in the spring.”
Thank you for your time and good luck in your senior season.
“Thank you sir.”
Good news for Bishop Miege fans, the majority of their championship team including Ray will be returning for the 2016-2017 basketball season. Along with their senior shooting guard, another player to watch is 6’11”, junior center Bol Bol, who is one of the top recruits in the Class of 2018.
Can the Stags keep their eye on the prize and stay motivated to win their second straight state championship? Only time will tell.
Photo credit: 247sports.com; Bishop Miege SG Semaj Ray driving against an opponent
Photo credit: everipedia.com; Bishop Miege SG Semaj Ray shooting a free throw