Male Athlete of the Week

Joel Hill Cape Coral Seahawks Junior Basketball
Cape Coral High junior Joel Hill is aware of the scoring contribution he’s provided the Seahawks (5-0) in the first five games of the basketball season.
He doesn’t believe, though, it has had nearly as much impact as the improvements the team has made on the defensive end. Hill said that’s the overriding theme to the Seahawks’ early success.
“Last year, it wasn’t as up close and personal as it is this year … we’re playing more tight, pressure defense.” Hill said. “We found our niche and it starts with the defense our coach implemented.”
When the Seahawks needed big baskets, they’ve often looked to Hill, and he has delivered.
The Daily Breeze Male Athlete of the Week pumped in 28 points in the Seahawks’ come-from-behind 72-58 win at Barron Collier last Tuesday. He followed that with 18 points in a win over East Lee County and 21 in a win over Mariner.
“He did what he’s done for us so far,” Seahawks coach Mark Rinehart said. “He’s posting up a little bit when he has a smaller player guarding him and he’s scored around the perimeter.”
The 6-foot-2 Hill, in his third season with the Seahawks, is averaging 20 points per game this season to go along with five rebounds and two steals.
He said he wants to step up more on the offensive end, but not at the risk of playing selfish.
“The coach challenged me to become more of a playmaker,” he said, “but also to know when to take over the game when my team needs me to.”
Hill notes the team is showing a lot of promise after a couple of down years, including last season’s 10-15 overall record and 1-9 in District 5A-15.
They’ll get a huge test Friday when they host defending district champion Fort Myers.
“We’re making strides and trying to be more competitive against the good teams,” he said.
Honorable mentions:
Joe Johnson, senior, Ida Baker soccer: Scored the only goal in the Bulldogs’ 1-0 victory over Gulf Coast last Tuesday.
Etienne Effenberg, senior, Bishop Verot basketball: Scored a game-high 33 points in the Vikings’ 87-72 win over Naples last Thursday.