2024 Interview with Guard Max Merz Highlands High School

[newarkcatholicfan]

Max Merz 

Highlands High School 

Guard 

2026

What were your personal goals heading into the 2023 season, and were you able to achieve those goals?

My personal goals were to start varsity and be the most dominant player on the field. I achieved this by starting varsity, but personally, I could have been more dominant in some games.

What were the goals you had set for your team, and did the team achieve those goals?

Our goal was to win a state championship, but we fell short, losing in the 4th round.

Who was the best player you faced during the 2023 season, along with the team he played for?

The best player I went against was Austin Alexander from Cooper. He was the best player because he was an all-around great player and very fast.

Who was the best team that Highlands faced during the 2023 season, and why do you believe they were so good?

The best team we played this year was Cooper because we played them twice and we got into a high-scoring battle, then in the second game they made some good adjustments and got the best of us.

What are you going to miss the most from the 2024 class?

In the brotherhood that I had with all of my seniors, I got super close to some of them, and it hurts to watch them go. 

Which road game did you enjoy the most last season?

Lexington Catholic because it was the first game of the season, the atmosphere was amazing, and we got into a 48-minute dog fight.

Which road game last season was the least enjoyable, along with the reason why?

Raceland because it was a 3-hour bus drive away, it was a smaller school, and there were barely any of our fans there due to the distance.

What is the toughest part of playing on the offensive line?

Lining up against someone who is faster than you and you struggle to get hands on to use your strength to stop their speed 

What is the best part of playing on the offensive line?

Getting to hit someone every single play and knowing that you're the reason that the plays can be successful 

What do you feel you need to improve on the most to be a better all-around player?

Be faster and keep my head back and off of people in pass protection.

You are already turning some college coaches heads. Would you name some of the schools that have shown interest in you?

I have offers from Toledo, EKU, and Marshall and am receiving interest from the UK, Louisville, and others. 

What is the toughest weather for you to play in?

The 4th round of the playoffs was very cold and windy, and I had never had to play in any weather like that.

What is the one food you refuse to eat?

Beans because I don’t like the consistency.

Have you ever been to a Bengals game?

Yes, I went to the Steelers home game last year.

What is one sport you wish you could play but lack the talent to do so?

Basketball, I’m not good enough.

Link to pics with the interview.
https://hearltlandfan15.blogspot.com/2024/03/2-24-interview-with-guard-max-merz.html