By Cody Morris
Magal Chol-Case has been a standout talent for the Rich Hill Tigers for the last few years. Magal has had the honor of being named the District Player of the Year for the Tiger’s District in back-to-back years now. As his High School playing career had reached its conclusion, Magal sat down with Mid-America for an exclusive interview.
Receiving consecutive POY awards after both his junior and senior years was quite the impressive feat for Case. When asked if this had been a goal that he set for himself, Magal says “yes, it has been a goal of mine for a couple of years. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s something that I focused on. I just played the basketball I knew how to play and let it come to me.” Magal is a gifted talent, but even with a natural knack for the game, Magal still has had to put in the effort to tap into his full potential. Magal told us “ever since I was in junior high and elementary school basketball has been something that I’ve always enjoyed and wanted to be decent at.” When he went on to talk about his motivation and what has led to his success on the court, Case told Mid-America “honestly my family and friends, but besides that the work I put in during the off season. The early morning trips to the city and the late nights getting shots up in the summer.”
Magal is an outstanding young man who has been determined to excel at the sport he enjoys playing. And when asked what drives him, Case had the perfect answer, “I’d have to say losing, I hate losing. Other than that probably just the will of wanting to be better and better.” With the work that Magal, and the rest of the Tigers put in this year, they luckily didn’t have to experience much losing this past year, as they went undefeated in their conference play with a record of 8-0 in the WEMO Conference and 21-8 overall. When asked what he thinks has contributed to the Tigers success as of late, Magal said that their ability to rely on their experience and stay cool under pressure played a large part in their season. Magal also said that he was able to grow and step up as a leader this last year.
He has built quite the resume of accomplishments for himself throughout his high school career, and when asked what he felt his biggest accomplishment was, Magal said, “being back to back POY and hitting my 1000 career points.” Magal was able to record his 1,000 career point on his birthday, and on the Senior Night for the Tigers earlier this year.
Magal is a versatile player that can see success at any position on the hardwood, and when asked about his biggest struggle in his career Magal told us, “probably being played as a big when I didn’t have to. And being out weighed early on.” With his versatility, athleticism, size, and skill set, Magal is hopeful that his game will translate well at the next level, as he plans to play ball at Ozark Christian College in Joplin next year. Magal says that while he is playing ball in college he will be pursuing an education that will lead to a career as a dental hygienist.
Magal Chol-Case has achieved a high level of success during his time as a Tiger, and we wish him luck as an Ambassador as well!
