Coach Rick's 'Getting to Know'
5'11 2022 Isaiah Tate (Kings Mountain HS)
After a successful freshman season where Isaiah Tate averaged 9.4 PPG, he was ready for the new challenge this past season. As a sophomore, Tate averaged 15.9 PPG, 3.2 APG, 2.3 RPG, and 1.1 SPG. When we spoke to coach Pierce at the beginning of the 2019-20 season, he had the following to say about Tate. 'Isaiah is one of the hardest-working players I have coached. He is a gym rat. He is the guy that is always getting extra reps in. On the court, Isaiah brings a very high basketball IQ. He knows how to score the ball and he is a great 3-point shooter. He has a very quick first step which allows him to get by his defender. He is a very good ball-handler and he has a very good pull-up jumper, as well as he is really starting to get his floater down. He is a really hard guard and plays with a lot of confidence.'
In addition to being an excellent player on the basketball court, Tate is also equally talented in the classroom where he sports an impressive 4.1 GPA. College coaches understand young players that apply themselves in the classroom will also be hard workers and disciplined on the basketball court. While Tate is a proven scorer, he also has a high basketball IQ. He knows the game well and has improved all facets of his game. Coach Pierce also stated, 'Tate was a really good shooter his freshman season, but worked on his game and proved he's more than just a shooter. He scored at all three levels this season and proved that he is a willing passer as well. Tate had to grow up this season. He moved into a new role where he was more of a focal point, unlike last year where he had other guys around him that help make his life easier. He grew up a lot this season.'
For Isaiah Tate, he has continued to work on his game and make improvements. He has enjoyed two solid seasons for Kings Mountain and the future looks bright. With his work ethic on the basketball court and in the classroom, look for Tate to be scholarship worthy prospect with increased attention and interest from college coaches sooner rather than later