As the lone senior on the Liberty Christian Academy boys basketball team, Zach Dames is taking on additional responsibilities this season.

Born and raised in Warrenton, Dames has attended Liberty Christian Academy since sixth grade. Dames has played basketball, soccer and baseball at Liberty Christian. 

Last season, Dames finished third among all Eagles with over nine points per game on the hardwood. He finished last season with 5.6 rebounds per game, second on the team.

Dames’ numbers have improved this season. A shooting guard and post player previously, Dames is Liberty Christian’s point guard on offense this season. He leads the team with 15.6 points per game and 8.9 rebounds per game.

What has it been like playing on an inexperienced team this season?

We never had a ton of big guys. Since we did lose the older guys, we’re a really young team. It is hard having a lot of smaller players. We have to play at a faster pace now.

Have you taken on a leadership role this season? 

Yeah, for sure. I do have some younger siblings and cousins that are playing. So of course, I want the team to be good now. So I like to do that and teach them for this year. But especially because I’ll be back in the later years watching because my cousin and little siblings play. So it is fun trying to teach them all that I know so that they’ll all be better by the time they’re all out there. 

Has there been an adjustment in Butch Clark’s first year coaching the boys team?

I had known Butch. My last coach was Tanner and he was younger. I felt we were closer in that way. But Butch, he is a really good coach. I think he does go a little harder on us which is what I think we need this year. I think he has that passion for basketball. 

What do you hope the basketball team accomplishes the rest of the season? 

For sure progression. There’s been games that we should have won. Winning more conference games. Because we play outside of that but conference is what we’re really focusing on right now. 

What are your future plans? 

I’m going to get into real estate. Basically, rentals and flipping houses is what I’m going to be doing. During the summers, I work for a guy who does that. He buys houses and me and a crew go in and flip it. So I’m kind of learning the insides of that. And then I’m going to do it myself or with my family, my dad and brother. 

What have you enjoyed the most about attending Liberty Christian? 

It is a Christian school so it’s being able to know every teacher’s teaching what I believe. So same aspects. Same beliefs. And the family part of it because you do know everybody. 

Favorite Subject: History 

Favorite Food: Burger

Ideal Travel Destination: Hawaii