BIG "15" BOYS TEAM....
-
THE CHOPS
- Official BleacherCoach
- Posts: 1900
- Joined: October 24th, 2003, 10:42 am
- Location: SCOTTDALE, PA.
BIG "15" BOYS TEAM....
BIG "15" BOYS' TEAM....
Jonathan Motichka had a funny look on his face when the 41st edition of The Patriot-News Big "15" boys' basketball team convened on a recent Sunday afternoon. As the lone returning player from last year's team, Motichka curiously took stock of the "14" new bodies around him. No worries, Mo'. Just like you, these guys are using their considerable talents to make spectacular things happen on the basketball court while keeping opposing coaches up nights agonizing over their whiteboards.
Meet this year's crop of killers.
Players from the Mid-Penn Conference, Tri-Valley League, Lebanon County and other area schools are nominated by coaches and sports writers.
The Big "15" is ultimately decided upon by The Patriot-News boys' basketball writer.
Along with the "little six" underclassman team and the 39 honorably mentioned, we present 60 athletes worth the price of admission over the second half of the season. TERRILL BARNES Gettysburg, 6-2 sr F
When injuries wracked last year's team, Barnes stepped up with 17.2 points per game. When new coach Jeff Bair brought in new hope this year, the athletically gifted Barnes increased his output to 22.5. His career best is 34 points against Waynesboro. JALON BRANSFORD Central Dauphin, 6-2 sr G
A ball-handling spark who can slash, dish or bomb from outside, Bransford is leading the District #3-(AAAA) champs with 16.1 points per game and has 14 3-pointers. His career high remains the 29 points he posted as a sophomore against Hollidaysburg. JOHN BRESKI East Pennsboro, 5-9 sr G
Breski's career-high "27" points came this season as he tried to keep the Blackhawks from falling to Susquenita. The feisty and speedy floor leader is averaging 18.0 points, up from 13.2 a season ago. RICARDO BROWN Harrisburg, 6-5 jr F
A three-year varsity performer for the Mid-Penn champs, Brown has muscled his way to a 14.6 scoring average and leads the assault on the boards. His career high is "28" points in a blowout of Cedar Cliff. ALPHONSO DAWSON Harrisburg, 6-5 jr F
Dawson emerged last year as the finesse complement to Brown's explosive power game. He scored a career-high 32 points last year as a sophomore in a 74-56 defeat of Central Dauphin and, as a junior, is putting up 18.1 points a game for the unbeaten Cougars. JUSTIN FRY West Perry, 6-10 sr C
The UMBC recruit is using his big body to tip the balance of power in the Mid-Penn Colonial toward his Mustangs. A shot swatter averaging 20.0, Fry opened his senior season with a statement, a career-high 26 points in a 61-42 defeat of Pottsville. ZACH HOOVER Lebanon Catholic, 5-11 sr G
An all-state selection, Hoover scored a career-best 35 points in last year's playoffs as he led the Beavers from their District 3-A title to the PIAA semifinals. The scoring dynamo has been wildly consistent, scoring 24.0 points per game this season after putting up 23.5 a year ago. STEWART KIRK Newport, 5-9 sr G
Kirk brought 1,051 career points, 193 3-pointers and his own steely resolve into the new season as he fights to keep the Buffaloes atop the Tri-Valley League standings. After scoring 18.1 as a junior, Kirk is now scoring 17.0. MARK MACKEY Central Dauphin, 6-6 sr F
As the Rams captured the District #3-(AAAA) championship last year, it became clear that to get past them you had to get past Mackey. A University of Delaware football recruit scoring 15.9 ppg, his all-time best is 31 points in a 71-53 defeat of Norristown last year in states. BRYAN MAJORS Harrisburg, 6-0 sr G
When one coach made the mistake of backing his defender off Majors last year in Giant Center, shouting, "He can't score from out there," the defensive specialist answered with a stunning 3-pointer. That illustrates what Majors means to his team. CURTIS MARSHALL Red Land, 6-1 sr G
A vital force in the Patriots' share of the Keystone title last year, Marshall has his team right back within striking distance. A quick and creative wing, he scores 14.5 points per game. He posted a career-best 30 points in a 68-62 defeat of Cedar Cliff. BRIAN MORRIS Trinity, 6-5 sr G
Similar to his three older brothers and yet a talent altogether different, Morris is scoring, creating, defending and more for the unbeaten Shamrocks. The Richmond recruit and all-state pick is scoring 19.0 after averaging 22.7 last year with 78 3-pointers. JONATHAN MOTICHKA Chambersburg, 6-1 sr G
Motichka seems to enjoy defense and setting up the offense best, but he is posting 16.8 points per game this year, scored a career-high 29 points on opening day and recently picked up his 1,000th career point. RANDY PIERRE Lebanon Catholic, 5-10 sr G
It would be easy and a big mistake to overlook the subtle and steady strength Pierre brings to the D#3-(A) champs. He scored a career-high 29 points in last year's district semis. The yin to Hoover's yang, his average has held steady at 15.5 for a second year. SHANE RIFE James Buchanan, 6-5 jr F
Of all the young talents who have helped the big schools in the 81 South division wrest control of the league back from Scotland, Rife has been the most solid. The burgeoning big man is averaging 18.0 and scored 23 in a recent upset of Susquehanna Twp.
"THE CHOPS".
Jonathan Motichka had a funny look on his face when the 41st edition of The Patriot-News Big "15" boys' basketball team convened on a recent Sunday afternoon. As the lone returning player from last year's team, Motichka curiously took stock of the "14" new bodies around him. No worries, Mo'. Just like you, these guys are using their considerable talents to make spectacular things happen on the basketball court while keeping opposing coaches up nights agonizing over their whiteboards.
Meet this year's crop of killers.
Players from the Mid-Penn Conference, Tri-Valley League, Lebanon County and other area schools are nominated by coaches and sports writers.
The Big "15" is ultimately decided upon by The Patriot-News boys' basketball writer.
Along with the "little six" underclassman team and the 39 honorably mentioned, we present 60 athletes worth the price of admission over the second half of the season. TERRILL BARNES Gettysburg, 6-2 sr F
When injuries wracked last year's team, Barnes stepped up with 17.2 points per game. When new coach Jeff Bair brought in new hope this year, the athletically gifted Barnes increased his output to 22.5. His career best is 34 points against Waynesboro. JALON BRANSFORD Central Dauphin, 6-2 sr G
A ball-handling spark who can slash, dish or bomb from outside, Bransford is leading the District #3-(AAAA) champs with 16.1 points per game and has 14 3-pointers. His career high remains the 29 points he posted as a sophomore against Hollidaysburg. JOHN BRESKI East Pennsboro, 5-9 sr G
Breski's career-high "27" points came this season as he tried to keep the Blackhawks from falling to Susquenita. The feisty and speedy floor leader is averaging 18.0 points, up from 13.2 a season ago. RICARDO BROWN Harrisburg, 6-5 jr F
A three-year varsity performer for the Mid-Penn champs, Brown has muscled his way to a 14.6 scoring average and leads the assault on the boards. His career high is "28" points in a blowout of Cedar Cliff. ALPHONSO DAWSON Harrisburg, 6-5 jr F
Dawson emerged last year as the finesse complement to Brown's explosive power game. He scored a career-high 32 points last year as a sophomore in a 74-56 defeat of Central Dauphin and, as a junior, is putting up 18.1 points a game for the unbeaten Cougars. JUSTIN FRY West Perry, 6-10 sr C
The UMBC recruit is using his big body to tip the balance of power in the Mid-Penn Colonial toward his Mustangs. A shot swatter averaging 20.0, Fry opened his senior season with a statement, a career-high 26 points in a 61-42 defeat of Pottsville. ZACH HOOVER Lebanon Catholic, 5-11 sr G
An all-state selection, Hoover scored a career-best 35 points in last year's playoffs as he led the Beavers from their District 3-A title to the PIAA semifinals. The scoring dynamo has been wildly consistent, scoring 24.0 points per game this season after putting up 23.5 a year ago. STEWART KIRK Newport, 5-9 sr G
Kirk brought 1,051 career points, 193 3-pointers and his own steely resolve into the new season as he fights to keep the Buffaloes atop the Tri-Valley League standings. After scoring 18.1 as a junior, Kirk is now scoring 17.0. MARK MACKEY Central Dauphin, 6-6 sr F
As the Rams captured the District #3-(AAAA) championship last year, it became clear that to get past them you had to get past Mackey. A University of Delaware football recruit scoring 15.9 ppg, his all-time best is 31 points in a 71-53 defeat of Norristown last year in states. BRYAN MAJORS Harrisburg, 6-0 sr G
When one coach made the mistake of backing his defender off Majors last year in Giant Center, shouting, "He can't score from out there," the defensive specialist answered with a stunning 3-pointer. That illustrates what Majors means to his team. CURTIS MARSHALL Red Land, 6-1 sr G
A vital force in the Patriots' share of the Keystone title last year, Marshall has his team right back within striking distance. A quick and creative wing, he scores 14.5 points per game. He posted a career-best 30 points in a 68-62 defeat of Cedar Cliff. BRIAN MORRIS Trinity, 6-5 sr G
Similar to his three older brothers and yet a talent altogether different, Morris is scoring, creating, defending and more for the unbeaten Shamrocks. The Richmond recruit and all-state pick is scoring 19.0 after averaging 22.7 last year with 78 3-pointers. JONATHAN MOTICHKA Chambersburg, 6-1 sr G
Motichka seems to enjoy defense and setting up the offense best, but he is posting 16.8 points per game this year, scored a career-high 29 points on opening day and recently picked up his 1,000th career point. RANDY PIERRE Lebanon Catholic, 5-10 sr G
It would be easy and a big mistake to overlook the subtle and steady strength Pierre brings to the D#3-(A) champs. He scored a career-high 29 points in last year's district semis. The yin to Hoover's yang, his average has held steady at 15.5 for a second year. SHANE RIFE James Buchanan, 6-5 jr F
Of all the young talents who have helped the big schools in the 81 South division wrest control of the league back from Scotland, Rife has been the most solid. The burgeoning big man is averaging 18.0 and scored 23 in a recent upset of Susquehanna Twp.
"THE CHOPS".