By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
Mohamed Salem is a senior at Bay Port High School who plays basketball for the Pirates.
He moved to the area from Peshtigo, Wisconsin, entering the tenth grade.
In his spare time, Salem likes to watch basketball, go out to eat, watch movies and hang out with friends.
His future plans include possibly attending the University of Michigan (his dream school) to study biomedical engineering.
Name: Mohamed Salem
Nickname: Mo
School: Bay Port
Sport: Basketball
Parents: Amel and Yasser
Tell me about your family.
“I have three sisters. Takwa is a sophomore in college at Loyola and Salsabeel and Muaz are freshmen twins.”
Do you come from a sports family?
“My dad played soccer and Takwa played lots of sports – mainly soccer and basketball.”
Did you do any other high school sports besides basketball?
“I did track from my freshman through my junior year, but I don’t think I’ll be doing it this spring. I did football my freshman year.”
Is there a sport you wish you had done?
“Probably soccer. I had played since I was young.”
What is your most memorable sport’s moment?
“When we took second place in the middle school state basketball championship while I was living in Peshtigo.”
Do you have a most embarrassing moment?
“Oh yeah – I puked on the basketball floor once in middle school. It was bad.”
What’s it like playing for Coach Rykal?
“It’s really fun. He will only get upset for two reasons: If we do something stupid or if he’s yelling at the refs. He’s a really good coach and always stays positive.”
You’ve definitely improved your game this season, especially around the basket.
“Last year I got better just by playing with better players. I knew I wouldn’t get a lot of playing time, but I tried really hard in practice. I learned a lot from them and that’s made me better this year.”
Do you ever think about what it would be like if you were still playing in Peshtigo, a much smaller school?
“Honestly, no. I used to when I first came to Bay Port but not anymore. We play against much better competition here and I’d rather have that.”
Do you have any bad habits?
“Playing with my hair and picking my nails.”
What three words best describe you?
“Kind, loyal, positive.”
Which teammate should star in his own reality TV show?
“Daniel Forystek. He just has a really interesting personality.”
How will Mohamed Salem be remembered at Bay Port?
“I can be serious in school, but I joke around a lot, too.”
Sunrise or sunset?
“Sunset.”
Fruits or veggies?
“Fruits.”
Winter or summer?
“Summer.”
Carpet or hardwood?
“Carpet.”
NBA or college basketball?
“NBA.”
Favorites
Athlete: Triple jumper Christian Taylor
Food: Chicken
Phone app: Clash Royale
Candy: Chocolate
Holiday: Halloween