Athlete of the Week: Casey Bobelis

The East County Observer and Bogey’s Restaurant and Sports Pub have teamed up to showcase the East County’s top athletes. Each recipient’s article will be featured on the restaurant’s wall.

Senior Casey Bobelis led all Pirates scorers with nine points and had nine rebounds in the Braden River High boys basketball team’s 39-27 loss to Sarasota Dec. 2; and last Friday night the 6-foot-7 center was Braden River’s leading scorer once again, recording 21 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks in the Pirates’ 60-43 victory over Riverview.

Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week:

What is your fondest basketball moment?
When I was younger I used to play on the Lithuanian National Basketball team; and as a sophomore I was named All-County for Pinellas County. Over the summer, I competed in the Lithuanian World Basketball Tournament, and my team got first place.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to possibly be a mechanical engineer and maybe design cars. I’m in the Engineering Academy at school, so I want to either do that or computer graphic design.

Who was your favorite superhero growing up?
Spider-Man. I used to watch the cartoon, and I thought it was cool that he could jump around and swing.

Do you prefer American culture or Lithuanian culture?
I like them both. I can speak Lithuanian fluently. It’s hard to compare the two because they’re so different. It’s fun to be here during the year and then go back to Lithuania over the summer to visit.

What’s your favorite subject?
Math because I got an “A” in it, and I’m good at it. It’s pretty easy for me to understand.

What do you like to do when you aren’t playing basketball?
I like hanging out with my friends, playing golf and playing video games.

Do you have a favorite movie?
I really like “Semi-Pro” with Will Ferrell. It’s a basketball movie, and it’s pretty funny.