Morgantown's Waylon Colistra talks confidence, preparation ahead of senior year leadership role
The 6-foot-7, 190-pound rising senior forward made his name known two seasons ago as a sophomore, but quickly became known around the state as he played a key role for the Mohigans last season as a junior with a starting role.
Colistra averaged 14 points, eight rebounds, and two assists last year for MHS, playing a key part in the Mohigans' run to the state semifinals. He earned all-tournament honors in Class AAAA at the state tournament and was also named an all-state honorable mention selection.
Now, entering his senior year at MHS, Colistra will be one of the leaders on the court for his team and says he feels prepared for the task.
'I felt like last season went well,' Colistra said. 'We obviously fell short of our ultimate goal, but individually, I thought it was a great year. I've learned a great deal from many outstanding players and leaders over the past few years as I've progressed through the program. It was a great season and a valuable learning experience, marked by some excellent competition and exposure as well.'
This summer, Colistra is playing with the Midwest Pumas Gold 17U team on the AAU circuit and has competed with MHS at the Hope Gas Shootout at Mylan Park and the 2K25 Midwest Live NCAA event.
Colistra averaged 17.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across four games, while shooting 62.4% from the field and 62.5% from three-point range.
'I really enjoy the experience I get from playing AAU and playing over the summer with my high school team,' he said. 'Getting to play in a new state against new players and competition that we've never seen really helps progress my game, and I feel like it's a time when I can work on different areas of my game with live reps.'
As far as his goals for the offseason, Colistra says he wants to continue working on raising his stock in terms of his recruitment.
'That's important to me at the moment,' he said. 'I want to just work on getting my name out there while also progressing my skills and getting better at the end of the day.'
As one of only three players in the rising senior class who played varsity minutes for MHS last season and one of two returning starters, Colistra will be looked upon as a leader and role model by others on the team.
'I'm excited to take on the role,' he said. 'I've had a lot of great examples throughout my time here. I hope to be encouraging and supportive to all of my teammates, creating an environment that allows everyone to be their best. Being positive and trying to get everyone to play to the best of their abilities is my goal, and I'm looking forward to being able to do that.'
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