Sports Star: Michael Maldonado, shooting guard, Aviation HS basketball team

Name: Michael Maldonado

School: Aviation Career & Technical Education High School

Grade: Senior

Position: Team captain, shooting guard

Michael Maldonado is the captain and leading scorer of the Aviation High School boys basketball team (PSAL Queens-A West). He has an 84 percent grade average and is also on the ROTC at the school. He has done numerous forms of community service including breast cancers walks and events to fight juvenile diabetes. He is also a member of the school’s cross country track team. In a recent game against William C. Bryant High School on Dec. 19, Maldonado scored 29 points, 5 assists and 6 rebounds to lead his team to victory, 69-67. He is averaging 18.33 points and 5 rebounds per game in five games this season.

Why did you start playing basketball?

“I grew up in Jamaica, Queens. It’s a rough neighborhood, basketball was a way to make friends.”

What colleges are you thinking about attending next year?

“St. John’s University, the University of Buffalo, St. Louis University, Air Force Academy or The United States Military Academy at West Point.”

Why do you like doing community service?

“Helping other people feels great. It betters everybody.”

What would be your dream job?

“Playing for the Puerto Rican national basketball team. I would like to represent Hispanic basketball players. It would be an honor, that’s the way I look at it.”

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