The Alexander boys’ basketball season came to an end on Feb. 27 as they fell to South Atlanta in the Elite Eight of the GHSA Class A state playoffs.

During their playoff run and throughout the entire season, there was one player that made a large impact on the team and their results — Karim Mawuenyega.

As a 6-foot-1 senior point guard, Mawuenyega has played on the Alexander varsity team since he was a freshman.

Head coach Jason Slate described Mawuenyega as having a “great work ethic” and being the type of player that likes practice and never misses a workout.

Slate has only led the varsity team for two years, but he said he has seen a great progression in Mawuenyega’s game from the start of last season until now.

“He’s just a kid that from day one bought into what we’re preaching. He’s well-rounded now. He was just a shooter, but now he’s a penetrator, passer and even a defender. He’s become a leader,” said Slate.

Last season Mawuenyega tore his ACL, but Slate said he did not let that stop him. In fact, Slate said he came back better this year.

According to Slate, for his senior year Mawuenyega averaged 21 points, five rebounds and four assists a night. During the state playoffs, Mawuenyega finished with 29, 16 and 18 points in the three games.

Slate also said Mawuenyega is the second-leading scorer in Alexander history as he finished with more that 1,000 career points.

This season Mawuenyega made the honorable mention list for Atlanta Tipoff Club’s All-Metro Atlanta Boys.