TORONTO — Cam Baker has made his mark in Toronto's history books.
Baker, the starting shooting guard for the men's basketball team, has signed to continue his academic and athletic career at Waynesburg. Waynesburg is a Division II school and the Yellow Jackets are members of the Presidents Athletic Conference along with local Bethany School and Francisco College of Steubenville.
“I went to a few games in Waynesburg and I liked how they played.” Baker said. “I went to see the school. I liked the school. They have smaller classrooms. That suited me better.”
Baker spent countless hours in the gym honing his skills.
“Cam is a player that pops up every once in a while.” Toronto head coach Sean Tucker said. “He's a gym freak. He's always in the gym working on his game.
“We knew he was special as early as seventh grade. After middle school practice, he would come to our practice and watch the varsity practice. He would aim for the side hoop. He put a lot of time and effort into his game.
“He wanted to pursue playing at the next level. He sat down and talked to his junior year about what he needed to do. I explained how difficult it is to get a scholarship, which is really difficult because so many players want to play at the next level.
“You have to dedicate yourself, put in the time, do what you have to do. I told him it all starts in the classroom. You have to prepare in the classroom. He focused on the weaknesses in his game. He was frequently calling the coaches here to get him into the gym.
“He's more of a son than a player. I couldn't be more proud of him and his family.”
Baker averaged 15.7 points and 3.9 steals per game as a senior, and his play was one of the reasons the Red Knights won 17 games last season.
Baker set a school record with 55 3-pointers in a season.
“I think my strength is shooting.” Baker said. “I can hit the ball. I can play good defense. I can get some stops. I can get the ball.”
Baker has been thinking about playing at the next level since he first put on a Red Knight jersey.
“I've always loved basketball.” Baker said. “It reminded me of my freshman year. From my junior year to my senior year, I started taking it more seriously. I worked hard and got to where I am now.”
Baker also won numerous postseason awards during his time playing basketball at Gem City. In a rare accomplishment for the Red Knights, Baker was named to the All-Ohio team twice.
“I actually went back and looked at the stats and everything, and since this started here, there have only been a few players who have received All-Ohio honors multiple times.” Mr. Tucker said. “I think something like this has happened four times, and Cam is the fourth. That speaks volumes to his dedication and hard work.”
Baker was also named All-OVAC First Team for the second consecutive year, All-Eastern District First Team for the second consecutive year, and All-District First Team in the AP Poll for the second consecutive year. . Baker was named a District 5 All-Star this season as well as an OVAC All-Star.
Baker is the first Toronto player to sign a scholarship to play in college since Chad Daugherty in 2005. Dougherty coached Baker when he was in middle school.
“That's a little ironic.” Mr. Tucker said. “When Cam was in middle school, his coach was Chad Daugherty. Chad Daugherty told me about Cam. If you go up there, he'll play for you.”
“Coach Daugherty talked to me about different kids and he told me, “This kid is going to play for you. “He'll be really good to you.''
“Chad Daugherty was the last Toronto basketball player to sign to play in college, and Cam was coached by Chad. Chad went to Walsh to play basketball.
“It's hard to go up to the next level and play. It's hard. Cam has worked hard and put in the time.”
There is a big difference between playing college basketball and playing high school basketball.
“I think it will be a big leap forward.” Baker said. “College has a shot clock. The speed of the game in high school is very different than in college. I think I can adapt to that.”
While playing in Toronto, Baker has shown the ability to score a lot of points, and his shooting ability should carry over to the next level.
“I told Coach (Tom) Weiler that offensively, Cam will fill that in.” Mr. Tucker said. “He can shoot the ball very well. That's his strong suit. You need a guard who can shoot the ball, and Cam will be in the shooting guard position. Cam will shoot the ball. Not only can he do it, but he's also not afraid to defend. He not only attacks, but also defends.
“We think of this as a family. We talk about the program being a family. He's special. I love him, his mother, his sister, his brother, and his I couldn't be more proud of my grandmother. They are a real family and I'm so blessed to be a small part of that family.”
Baker should fit well with the Yellow Jackets.
“I talked to Coach Weiler at Waynesburg and I feel very comfortable as a coach having him watching over Cam.” Mr. Tucker said. “I appreciate the time he spent with Cam. He went out and watched Toronto play. I like the coaching staff at Waynesburg.”
The Toronto basketball program truly is like a family, and Baker has enjoyed being a part of it during his time in the red and white.
“When I look back at Toronto, it’s like a family here.” Baker said. “The basketball program is all about family. The coaches here are great. They do everything they can for you. It's a real family.”
Baker will continue to play in Waynesburg next season, but he will never forget his time in Toronto.
“I'll definitely be back.” Baker said. “I plan on coming back for as many games as possible.”
Although he will play for the Yellow Jackets next season, Baker will also become a Red Knight.
“I will definitely find time to go and watch him play.” Mr. Tucker said. “He was like a son to me. We are family. I will always be there for him. The Toronto coaching staff is proud of him and his teammates.”
Baker plans to major in sports management.