Margaretta's Washington reels in spot in Michael K. Bosi athlete of year series

Margaretta junior Julian Washington can often be found reeling in buckets or big catches with his hands.

Washington, who is among this year's athletes in the Michael K. Bosi series, was first-team in the Sandusky Bay Conference Bay Division for basketball, averaging 19.8 points and shooting 64% from the field as a sophomore last season. He caught nine touchdown passes, intercepted six throws and scored once on defense for football.

He's fishing for an opportunity to continue his career, with basketball offers from Ohio, Kent State, Toledo and Charleston. When he isn't casting a big talent shadow, he finds a nice spot to drop a line.

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"The things I do away from basketball, golfing and fishing," he said. "If I'm not in the weight room or in the gym (or on the field), I'm fishing or golfing. I'll be the first to tell you, I'm not the greatest (golfer). It's fun, I enjoy it.

"I hit good shots here and there. I make it on the green every once in a while."

Fishing, however, is most like basketball for Washington.

"I was probably 6 or 7, I was fishing with my grandpa and some of my older brothers," he said. "Some lake in Buffalo. My grandpa said whoever got the most fish, the big fish would get a meal, something special. I wasn't catching any fish.

"I was getting mad. I put on a new lure; I was railing them in one by one. I caught 12 fish in a row. I ended up winning."

Slam dunks are better, but few things compare to a successful battle with an opposing fish. Especially for a Polar Bear.

"The best thing, obviously is catching a fish," he said. "That's the best moment you can have; hooking a big fish. One of your buddies takes a picture with you and your big fish. That's a big to enjoy."

Washington transferred from Perkins schools to start high school.

"I wanted a change; Margaretta was the best option," he said. "I'm glad I ended up here because of the people I've met and the relationships I've built."

Margaretta advanced to a regional final for basketball last season. It took a share of the conference crown.

"Winning the game against Ashland Crestview," Washington said of a district semifinal. "The way we won; we were down so much throughout the whole game. ( Judah Keller ) got hit in the face. There was blood everywhere.

"Gage Bodey came over and we talked about how great it would be to come back and win. We had an 11-0 run to tie the game or take the lead. That was a cool moment."

It was the type of scenario that can bring a team together.

"It made our team hungry to keep winning and competing and winning games," Washington said. "The best experience was connecting with my teammates and building chemistry off the court. We always hang out. We're at each other's houses.

"We talk in school. We're big on team. You play better when you're more connected with your team. Team chemistry helps with basketball. We like being around each other and it translates to the court."

Still a relative youngster, last year helped Washington mature.

"I learned a lot from my coach about situational game plans, keeping my emotions in check and keeping and equilibrium in big games," he said. "In a regional semifinal, you need a level head to stay calm. Our goal is to win a state championship.

"That's been the goal since freshman year. I'm going to try to help us make it back and go further."

Washington and Keller are classmates, in position to bring out the best in the other. Keller was injured and couldn't play quarterback for part of last season but rust is unlikely for the duo.

"To spend as much time with him as we do growing our friendship on and off the court, I love being around him," Washington said. "I'm excited. Judah is my best friend. We do a lot together. We have two years together and I'm not going to take the time for granted."

Washington is also extremely dangerous returning kicks on special teams. He returned two punts for scores for the Polar Bears (6-5).

"There was a long throw from Judah against Vermilion and I caught it over two or three people," he said. "That was my favorite individual moment."

Washington is within shouting distance of 1,000 career points.

"Jake Leibacher scored 1,423 points," he said. "I want that. That's the one I want to break by the time I graduate. If you're a basketball player striving for big things, you want that record. It's been a goal since I was a kid to keep leveling up as I get older and keep growing."

No matter where his basketball journey takes him and beyond, Washington will continue reeling for success.

"You spend countless hours on the sports you love; it's a getaway," he said of fishing. "A hobby. I can chill. Go to the garage and grab my pole and my tackle box and go fish. It relieves my mind. It's an escape. Making a shot is like catching a fish.

"Both things are good. Everybody likes to make shots and everybody likes to catch a fish."

mhorn@gannett.com

419-307-4892

X: @MatthewHornNH

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Margaretta's Washington reels in spot in Michael K. Bosi athlete of year series