Young Marauder makes an impression

Andrey Yamborko is a 17-year-old Grade 12 student and basketball player at Maples Collegiate.

He is a well-rounded athlete, but his focus now is playing basketball for the Maples Marauders, the third-ranked team in the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association’s AAAA varsity boys rankings.

“I love basketball because it is very fun and lets me get away from anything that could be going wrong in my life,” he said. “I play wing primarily and also play guard. Playing wing allows me to make a lot of off-the-ball reads and also crash the glass while spacing the floor, which I like doing most.”

Andrey was named the MHSAA male athlete of the week on Feb. 25, for his exploits leading the Maples attack. The Marauders are enjoying a successful year, finishing Maples second in the Nick Laping tournament, second in the St. Vital Invitational, third in the Maples Invitational, and third in the Bedford Road Invitational in Saskatoon, Sask.

Andrey is very thankful for and respectful to his coaches.

“In my first year of high school I played (junior varsity) under coach Phillip Sousa, who really helped me get on track on the court and in the classroom through his belief in my game.

“For three years now, I have been playing under coach Scott Kirkpatrick, and it has been the best thing that has happened to me. He has encouraged me to be the best basketball player I can be and he has superior knowledge,” Andriy said. “Coaches Donald Hayes, Amarjit Basi and Amrit Basi have all also played roles over the last few years in helping me to get in the gym and helping me get better in many different ways.”

Andrey also plays club basketball for Evolve, under coaches Nicholas Lother and Myles Panganiban, and added that he enjoys working and playing with all his teammates.

“I am very happy for the teammates I have had because they have all made positive impacts. Most of my teammates I’ve spent many years with now,” he said.

Andrey lives in the Maples with his mom Yana, dad Leonid, and brother Maxim.

“My parents are amazing people who have been very supportive of me. They realize my passion for the game and have always supported me when I need it most. They are hard workers who I look up to every day. I am thankful for the position they have put me and my brother in,” he said.

When he’s not playing basketball, Andrey is also excelling in the classroom. He sports a 92 per cent average this semester.

“School is going good. I’ve been focused on getting good grades and being a good student just as much as I am focused on being an athlete,” he said. “My favourite class would be chemistry with Ms. Russell. It has been challenging so far which has encouraged me to work hard and stay on top of things.”

Andrey has a great future in front of him, and he has this to share with other athletes:

“Have fun, embrace failure, believe in yourself, and always be a great teammate.”