Antonio Reyes — Hardcourt King

As the Witches boys basketball team prepares to defend its Division 2 sectional crown in the MIAA tournament, the player to watch is Antonio Reyes.

Reyes, 18, is a man on a mission: the mission being to win it all next month at the TD Garden, where the Witches lost in the state semifinals last year.

These Witches should go far with Reyes lighting up the score board.

Salem Patch had a chance to chat with Antonio about the basketball season, his style of play, and what makes the senior tick. 

Salem Patch: What are your expectations for the playoffs?

Antonio Reyes: We definitely had a good run, but I think this team can win the state championship. We have the talent and the team chemistry and when we play together people say we look unbeatable.

SP: You've proven yourself as a valuable player on the court and the football field. Which is your favorite sport?

AR: I really don't think I can pick between the two. During football season football is my favorite, but then during basketball season basketball is my favorite, so it's gonna be a hard thing to pick for college.

SP: Who's your favorite athlete?

AR: I'd have to say Kobe Bryant. The way he plays he makes everything look so easy, and because of the passion he plays with and the way he leads his team.

SP: Who is your role model?

AR: Definitely my brother Lito [Gonzalez], because growing up I always looked up to him. When I was little I watched him play football and basketball in high school and he was the starting quarterback when they won the super bowl in '99. He's always been there for me and helping me with sports and trying to make me better than what he was, although I think I am already better than him.

SP: You show a lot of emotion on the court. Does that help you to play a better game?

AR: Yeah, I think it does help because I think it's a big part of the game, especially in the big games. I guess it shows how much I love the game.

SP: What's your favorite thing to do when you're not doing sports?

AR: I would say hanging out with my friends, because during sports [season] I don't really get to hang out that much... It's always fun when I can.

SP: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

AR:  I think I'd go to Hawaii just to relax and have fun.