If you have been to an MV basketball game this season, you would know that senior Tre Watkins has been a steady force for the team. He has officially reached a major milestone of surpassing 1,000 career points during his final season.
Watkins, who has been a steady presence for the Mustangs for the past few years, is currently on pace to surpass the long-standing scoring record of 1,272 points. While the achievement carries weight, Watkins remains focused on the bigger picture.
“To break his record feels good because that record’s been there for a while, since the school opened up,” Watkins said. “It feels good, hopefully seeing a different name on the record.”
For Watkins, individual success is guaranteed because of his routine. He credits his hard work and mindset as the foundation of his success as an athlete.
“I have a hard work ethic,” Watkins said. “I work out almost every day, and I just stay consistent. I’m also a good listener. I take criticism constructively and use it as fuel to make me better.”
That approach has helped him navigate high-pressure moments throughout the season. Whether facing a loud student section or tough defense, Watkins focuses on staying present.
“When there’s pressure, or I feel pressured, I try not to even feel like there’s pressure on me,” Watkins said. “I just try to be calm, let the pressure go off my shoulders, and play confidently and [freely] while also taking deep breaths.”
Watkins’ development has not gone unnoticed by head coach Davis, who has challenged him to grow beyond scoring since his sophomore season.
“The standard Coach Davis has held for me is always improving my game,” Watkins said. “Year after year, becoming more of a vocal leader.”
That leadership has translated to strong chemistry on the court. As the Mustangs reach the midpoint of the season, he believes the team is positioned to make a deep run.
“I’m pretty confident in this team right now that we can make it far,” Watkins said. “We just play together as a team, playing good team defense, passing the ball around, and communicating while also building each other up every day in practice.”
As he approaches the all-time scoring record, Watkins hopes his journey can serve as motivation for younger athletes at Metea.
“Just work hard and stay consistent at what you do,” Watkins said. “No matter what, you have to push yourself to be the best and try to be better than everyone else at what you do.”
While the huge personal record is within reach, Watkins’ ultimate goal remains team-centered.
“One final goal I have for this season is to win a regional,” he said. “The school hasn’t seen one in 14 years, so I want to bring a regional to the school.”
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