According to the Oxford Languages dictionary, leadership is “the action of leading a group of people or an organization.” In Ipswich, leadership is seen everywhere. Some kids lead in the classroom, while others lead in school clubs. However, for Max Chesley, his leadership shines through on the Ipswich Varsity Boys Basketball team. Max has played on the Varsity team since his sophomore year. Unfortunately, due to two miserable injuries to Isaiah Gonzalez and Eric Mazzio, Max serves as the only captain of the team.
Basketball has been a crucial part of Max’s childhood life. When I asked Max what basketball has meant to him throughout the years, he said “It’s been a huge part of my life since I started playing. I have played all year around since middle school and I can’t even imagine what my life would be without it.” Max’s love for the game has driven him to play for club and town teams all year around.
I’ve been lucky enough to share the court with him since elementary school. Max has always been one of the best players on both sides of the ball. With his 6 ‘4 frame, he’s able to rebound, defend, and shoot over anyone. Aside from his outstanding ability, he’s always been one of my favorite teammates. Max is reliable, passionate, and always pushing his team around him. Playing basketball with Max is something that many of his teammates will remember, as I will, for years.
As the solo captain of the team, Max is having his best season yet. This year, he’s averaging 17 points per game with a season high of 37 points against Pentucket earlier this year. He also shares the ball as he leads the team in assists.
When I asked his teammates about Max’s leadership on the team, they replied with similar answers. Rex Satter, a talented and emerging freshman on the team had many positive things to say about his captain. When I asked him what the season has been like so far, he replied by saying “It’s been a great experience. I didn’t know what it would be like coming into high school as a freshman on varsity, but Max has made it easy and very enjoyable.” Max has mentored this freshman star, adding to his impressive year so far. Rex also recognized that “Max has been a really good influence. He is very supportive and helpful and contributes to the competitive nature of our team. He has been a really good captain and we have developed a lot of chemistry.” Rex admires Max as do many of his other teammates.
Rex’s comments were very similar to his teammate James Norris. James is a junior and serves as one of Ipswich’s best all around players. He has also played with Max since his sophomore year, so I wanted to hear his thoughts on Max’s leadership. When I asked him about Max, he said, “Max is the number one offensive player. When we’re under pressure, he is the one to take the shot. In addition, when someone’s head is down, he is always there to pick them up.” James’ remark on Max goes to show that Max is an aspiring captain along with being a stud on the court.
Max’s leadership on and off the court is something we should all look up to. It’s extremely demanding and challenging to be the only captain of a team, but Max has done impressively well. However, Max maintains one goal in mind; that is to bring his team to the state tournament in hopes of making a memorable playoff run.
