RANGELEY – Jim Goodwin has a way of seeing things a lot of kids his age can not.

It’s not just because the Rangeley senior is 6-5, although that helps him see over a crowd or the towering snow drifts that are already building up in his home town.

Goodwin has matured, physically, mentally and spiritually, in the last couple of years. His growth is allowing him to see things off the floor that will serve him well in life some day, and see things on the floor that are serving the Lakers well already.

Last year, Goodwin formed one of the state’s most dynamic duos with senior Neil Stewart. Tall, lanky, athletic and versatile like Goodwin, Stewart’s skills in the paint allowed his younger teammate to roam the perimeter, where he could exploit his explosiveness of the dribble best.

Already hailed as one of the top players in Class D coming into this season, Goodwin realized as a junior that his teammates would be turning to him for leadership when he reached his final year of high school. They would also be turning to him for some easy baskets inside, since most of the Lakers’ offense in the low post left with Stewart.

“Last year, I tried to keep a leadership roll, which was hard being in Neil’s shadow,” Goodwin said. “But I knew this year was going to be my biggest year.”

And, perhaps his toughest. With Stewart and point guard Tim Johnson, who moved out of state, gone, a number of new players, including several freshmen, would become a regular part of the rotations. Goodwin knew that meant the offense would run through him, and his responsibilities would go far beyond scoring.

“He’s matured, so he knows he’s got to make all of these other players better,” said Rangeley coach Len MacPhee. “I think he’s making the passes he needs to make and he’s being ‘smart aggressive’. He’s matured a lot from this year to last year in his decision making.”

A lot of that comes as second nature to Goodwin. What hasn’t been second nature, however, is planting himself on the block and calling for the ball.

“I played point guard and guard in sixth and seventh grade and then down low in the eighth grade, but when I got (to high school) I was back at point guard and shooting guard again. I’m still familiar with the moves down low, and my dad (Randy) has been great helping me,” said Goodwin, who is considering Gordon College and SMTC, among others. “Sometimes I have to think about (looking for offense inside), but I’m quick enough where I can think about it and then do it.”

“Jimmy’s got to play both in and out. He’s got to take wherever he can get his shots,” MacPhee said. “If they’re going to really jam him and triple-team him inside, he’s going to have to step outside and take a few of those. He can shoot 3s too.”

Goodwin grew an inch-and-a-half in the off-season, and also worked out with a personal trainer for much of the summer to add some muscle.

“That was a great help to me for about three months until he had to move. It’s been tough staying with it since then, but I’m still pretty fit,” said Goodwin, whose team is off to a 2-0 start this season. “It definitely helped me get a lot stronger.”

Before improving his physical strength, Goodwin bulked up spiritually. He became a born-again Christian two years ago, and credits his beliefs with improving his focus and drive on the court.

“It always helps me with my temper,” he said. “It’s been great motivation for me.”