When it comes to Candor senior Will Gates, it's all about the numbers.
He leads the area in scoring at more than 27 points per game and scored nearly 17 a game this summer leading the Central team to a silver medal at the Empire State Games.
Coach Luke Thomas says, "He's worked hard. He plays all year-round. He puts a lot of time into the game. He knows what he needs to improve on and that's what good players do."
This good player will take his game and brain to prestigious Swarthmore College next year.
Will's ranked number three in his senior class that he's also president of.
And for this numbers man, one subject is his obvious favorite.
"Math. I just love math because it always makes sense."
Will hopes to be the next in his family's long line of math teachers.
But if that doesn't pan out, he's got another passion too.
"I love poker. Poker is just fun. Also goes along with math. Figuring out what kind of odds you have to win stuff but I just love playing."
So in between hoops and homework, honor society and key club, Will finds time to let the chips and cards fall where they may.
"I go online and play all the time. Play whenever I can. Play against my family and stuff like that. Always play. I watch World Series of Poker on ESPN. Great show."
The numbers don't lie and they all add up to make Will Gates this week's Academic All Star.
Justin Horowitz, Action Sports.