SAUGUS– When Mark Bertrand took over as coach of the Saugus boys basketball team after Paul Moran stepped down, he knew the situation he was tackling wasn’t going to be the easiest. The Sachems carry a young team this season, putting them at a disadvantage when matching up against a number of Northeastern Conference squads that boast more experience.
Bertrand knew he was going to need a reliable leader on his team to make the transition a smooth one and keep the Sachems competitive. That’s the role senior guard Mike Mabee has taken on this season.
The lone team captain for the Sachems, Mabee has emerged as the experienced leader among a group of players with limited varsity experience. Captaining an inexperienced team brings no shortage of challenges but Mabee hasn’t wavered. He leads the team in scoring at 14 points per game while shooting 45 percent from 3-point land.
“I couldn’t ask for a better kid in the transition we’ve had,” Bertrand said. “Mike’s been a tremendous kid and he’s been in line with everything we’ve done. He’s always shown the ultimate respect. He sets his example in practice and the way he plays the game. I get the most out of him and his leadership ability has made it a great transition.”
Aiding Mabee’s cause is the fact that this isn’t his first go-round captaining a team. A three-sport captain, Mabee also tackles the same leadership role on the football and baseball teams.
“He’s a three-sport athlete and captain, which we love at Saugus,” Bertrand said. “He’s a leader in the classroom too and that’s a reflection of his parents. For him it starts at home. He’s really respected in the school system and in the community.”
Mabee had a stellar senior campaign on the gridiron as Saugus’ quarterback in which he set school records for most touchdown passes (18) and passing yards (2,051) in a season. A catcher/infielder on the diamond, Mabee’s looking to play baseball at the collegiate level.
“I just try to balance each sport,” Mabee said. “I try to give each one equal time in the offseason. If I have an off day, it’s really not an off day. I’m always focusing on getting ready for the next season.
“Being a three-sport captain is an honor,” Mabee added. “All the teammates and coaches I have are great people to be around. It’s a great honor to be named a captain. I try to work as hard as I can both on the field and in the classroom. It’s great that I’m viewed as an example by my teammates.”
His current focus in on the court, where the Sachems are 2-7 this winter. Saugus stumbled out of the gate by dropping its season opener to Everett but the Sachems captured their first victory two weeks ago against Bishop Fenwick. With the game on the line, Mabee knocked home three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
He scored 13 points in yesterday’s Sachems win over Northeast.
“What he did in our first win against Fenwick is what we’re going to need more of,” Bertrand said. “His teammates are starting to come around. The seniors are buying in, the underclassmen are buying in. It started with our seniors. We’re not there yet, but we’re starting to see things come together a little bit.”
Mabee also likes the direction the Sachems are moving in. As the younger players begin to gain experience, Saugus will better position itself to win games.
“The first few games were a tough stretch,” Mabee said. “We have a lot of winnable games moving forward. The younger guys are getting valuable varsity experience. That win (against Fenwick) was a great feeling and we’re looking to get a few more wins and make the state tournament.”
Mabee’s one of three seniors on the team, along with five sophomores and two freshmen. Although the inexperience puts the Sachems in a tough spot when competing against veteran-heavy NEC opponents, Mabee sees a positive.
“We’re a really young team and I think that really helped us this season,” Mabee said. “Not a lot of players were accustomed to Coach Moran’s style. That made the transition to Coach Bertrand a bit easier. We’re just focusing on getting guys up to speed and getting newer players ready for the varsity level. That’ll help the program in the future too.”
As for his own future, Mabee’s considering joining the baseball team at Division III Worcester State or heading to Division II Merrimack as a walk-on. He admitted that the college process can get stressful at times but he’s excited to take the next step.
“It’s a little stressful,” Mabee said. “I’m the oldest in my family so it’s new for me and my family. I’ve tried not to procrastinate with the process and that has helped me. I’m excited to see where my future takes me.”
Mabee and the Sachems are back in action tonight (7) when they visit Lynn Classical.
