Isaac Matti

(ABC 6 News) – Hayfield boys’ hoops know it’s got every team gunning for its state title but Isaac Matti welcomes that challenge.

"We know we’re going to get everyone’s best shot coming in. They want to run at us and they’re all. We know everyone’s going to be pumped to play us and I just know that my teammates can back me up, kick them to the corners hitting shots when they’re open, and stuff like that, Matti said.

Matti does it all for the Vikings, whether it’s dishing assists, playing strong defense, or being their main scorer.

"He’s gone ahead and assumed that role of the main ball handler and top scorer. He’s adjusted to that role as we expected him to very smoothly," Hayfield boys basketball head coach Chris Pack said.

On Tuesday evening, Matti held Kenyon-Wanamingo’s best scorer to only four points not to mention he’s also over 1,000 career points.

"Whether it’s a point guard or a post, he’s asked to guard anybody and he consistently holds those people underneath their scoring averages," Pack said.

Matti leads by example, something he learned from his former teammate Ethan Slaathaug, who played a key role in last year’s state title win.

"Just his — like aggressiveness — how aggressive he was looking to score but also not being too selfish. His confidence too, he knows that he can score and just puts it on the court," Matti said.

Matti has confidence in himself and his teammates to run it back because even when he’s at his best he still thinks he’s got more to show.

"I haven’t been shooting as well as I’ve wanted to this season. Rebounding, steals, stuff like that but, overall I’ve been happy with most areas. Just nothing’s going to happen if you don’t put in the work, said Matti.