Let’s play two: Shea competes for MIHS basketball and baseball teams

Whether it’s on the basketball court or the baseball diamond, Ewan Shea is always caught up in the enjoyment of competing against others.

The Mercer Island High School (MIHS) junior has given his all to both activities since early middle school and he’s just as thrilled going the multi-sport route now as he was from the start.

For now, he’s all about basketball as a member of the sterling MIHS varsity squad that sported a 17-3 record at press time and was competing in the 3A KingCo playoffs. The Islanders defeated Sammamish, 80-57, to tip off the opening round on Feb. 4 and will next face Liberty (Renton) at 7 p.m. on Feb. 6 at Liberty High.

The 6-foot-5 forward is averaging 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He notched his scoring season high with 24 points through three quarters in the Islanders’ 86-51 win over Mountlake Terrace on Jan. 10.

“I think the keys to success are playing more as a team rather than individual players that are all on the court. We pass the ball well. We have a lot of team chemistry,” said Shea, adding that he’s taken on a leadership role this season on the family-like and supportive squad. “I feel like everyone’s fired up. We’re having a great season and everyone’s just trying to do their part to get these wins.”

Shea, who plays first base and pitches on the MIHS baseball squad, comes from a sporting family that includes his older brother Colin (baseball), middle brother Gavin (football) and twin sister Vivi (volleyball). His dad, Matt, is a former volleyball player.

To succeed as a multi-sport athlete, MIHS head basketball coach Gavin Cree said that it takes discipline, planning and good communication.

“Ewan cares deeply about both sports and does a tremendous job balancing and thriving in both,” Cree said.

The Reporter asked Shea a series of questions to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his life:

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I would say probably not letting failure affect you. I feel like mentality is one of the most important things when it comes to competitive sports. So if you’re letting these failures affect your game — and let’s say you miss a shot and you let that affect you — you’re going to miss your next shot. But if you’re just having that next-shot mentality, you’re not letting the failure affect you — I think you’re going to do a lot better.

If you could go to dinner with one person, who would that be?

My parents. (On the athlete front) Cal Raleigh with the Mariners. I would like to talk to him about his experience, his mindset. He just came off a big year, so I feel like it would be fun to talk to him.

What superpower would you like to have?

I would say teleporting. I feel like teleporting would give you a lot more flexibility. You wouldn’t have to wake up as early in the morning, wouldn’t have to drive — just kind of wake up, take a shower and just get right to school, not having to worry about any traveling. Maybe you could take a little trip somewhere, not having to worry about any flights or anything.

And feeding off that, what’s a dream vacation spot for you?

Maybe like some tropical islands, maybe like the Maldives or the Bahamas. I really enjoy the beach. I like surfing. Something tropical, something warm.

What’s your favorite movie of all time?

“Moneyball,” the movie where the Athletics had to find a way to win a World Series without much budget.

What’s your daily motto when you get up in the morning?

Honestly, just trying to get through the school day and just trying to get to the fun stuff like (baseball and basketball) practice.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

People that talk back. I don’t really like when I say something to someone and (they) make fun of it or mock. Sometimes that just happens and it kind of ticks me off.