Shubik’s return to home state a successful one
Shubik’s return to home state a successful one
Shubik’s return to home state a successful one
By LEN LICHVAR
For the Somerset Daily American
CORAOPOLIS — Sacred Heart University senior and North Star High School graduate Drew Shubik made his final game in his home state a successful one.
The Pioneers defeated Robert Morris University at the Sewell Center 82-69 Sunday afternoon as the Stoystown native continued his final season of NCAA Division I college basketball.
Shubik entered the Division I level after leading the North Star Cougars to three District 5 Class AA titles and two WestPAC championships during his illustrious high school career.
The Pioneers, out of Fairfield, Conn., surprised the Colonials, who were coming off a five-game winning streak.
Shubik, a co-captain who is well known for his defensive skills, made several key steals in the first half that kept his team even with Robert Morris. Both teams traded field goals almost evenly and the first half ended tied at 33-33.
In the second half, the Pioneers came out strong. Shubik opened the half with a 3-pointer that put his team up by five.
With 12 minutes to go, Shubik, who finished the game with seven points, hit teammate Corey Hassen with a full-court length pass, and Hassen scored to put Sacred Heart up by ten. The Pioneers (7-10 overall, 4-2 in Northeast Conference) never relinquished the lead.
Veteran Sacred Heart head coach Dave Bike, who is in his 30th season leading the Pioneers, has been impressed with Shubik’s play.
“He has improved each year and this season as he goes so we will go,” Bike said. “We have high expectations for the season. Winning the Northeast Conference and securing a berth in the NCAA tournament is the team’s goal.
“Last year we were picked low and almost made it. This year we are one of the favorites to win. We have a chance to fulfill our goals, but we have to take care of business on the court and the rest will take care of itself.”
Shubik’s goals mirror the teams expectations.
“My senior season is going by quickly,” he said. “Today is the last time I will play in Pennsylvania, and to go out on a win means a lot to me. I’m trying to just enjoy the ride I’m on. I’m simply enjoying each game and being with my teammates.”
However, the NCAA tournament is on Shubik’s mind as well.
“The tournament is certainly a major incentive and we have the opportunity to control our own destiny,” he said.”
Whether or not he and his team meet their objectives is still to be determined with 12 games left to play. However, Shubik is already certain that the college experience has changed him.
“Since I went away to school I could not come home a lot,” Shubik said. “Even though I was home sick the first year it forced me to grow up a lot. I feel I am more mature and I know this experience will help me through the rest of my life.”
Shubik will graduate with a degree in Sports Management and was named the Northeast Conference Men’s Basketball Scholar Athlete of the Year last season. However, his first goal after graduation will be to try out for a professional basketball team in Europe. If that fails to work out he plans to seek a Graduate Assistant Position with a Division I or II university. Another option is to begin a career at a high school in the athletic director’s capacity and also start a high school coaching career.
Although Shubik’s short term athletic future as well as his long term future is still not finalized yet, he is sure that the support he has received from his family and friends have enabled him to succeed.
“I cannot thank everyone enough for giving me so much encouragement and support,” he said. “That has meant so much to me.”
By LEN LICHVAR
For the Somerset Daily American
CORAOPOLIS — Sacred Heart University senior and North Star High School graduate Drew Shubik made his final game in his home state a successful one.
The Pioneers defeated Robert Morris University at the Sewell Center 82-69 Sunday afternoon as the Stoystown native continued his final season of NCAA Division I college basketball.
Shubik entered the Division I level after leading the North Star Cougars to three District 5 Class AA titles and two WestPAC championships during his illustrious high school career.
The Pioneers, out of Fairfield, Conn., surprised the Colonials, who were coming off a five-game winning streak.
Shubik, a co-captain who is well known for his defensive skills, made several key steals in the first half that kept his team even with Robert Morris. Both teams traded field goals almost evenly and the first half ended tied at 33-33.
In the second half, the Pioneers came out strong. Shubik opened the half with a 3-pointer that put his team up by five.
With 12 minutes to go, Shubik, who finished the game with seven points, hit teammate Corey Hassen with a full-court length pass, and Hassen scored to put Sacred Heart up by ten. The Pioneers (7-10 overall, 4-2 in Northeast Conference) never relinquished the lead.
Veteran Sacred Heart head coach Dave Bike, who is in his 30th season leading the Pioneers, has been impressed with Shubik’s play.
“He has improved each year and this season as he goes so we will go,” Bike said. “We have high expectations for the season. Winning the Northeast Conference and securing a berth in the NCAA tournament is the team’s goal.
“Last year we were picked low and almost made it. This year we are one of the favorites to win. We have a chance to fulfill our goals, but we have to take care of business on the court and the rest will take care of itself.”
Shubik’s goals mirror the teams expectations.
“My senior season is going by quickly,” he said. “Today is the last time I will play in Pennsylvania, and to go out on a win means a lot to me. I’m trying to just enjoy the ride I’m on. I’m simply enjoying each game and being with my teammates.”
However, the NCAA tournament is on Shubik’s mind as well.
“The tournament is certainly a major incentive and we have the opportunity to control our own destiny,” he said.”
Whether or not he and his team meet their objectives is still to be determined with 12 games left to play. However, Shubik is already certain that the college experience has changed him.
“Since I went away to school I could not come home a lot,” Shubik said. “Even though I was home sick the first year it forced me to grow up a lot. I feel I am more mature and I know this experience will help me through the rest of my life.”
Shubik will graduate with a degree in Sports Management and was named the Northeast Conference Men’s Basketball Scholar Athlete of the Year last season. However, his first goal after graduation will be to try out for a professional basketball team in Europe. If that fails to work out he plans to seek a Graduate Assistant Position with a Division I or II university. Another option is to begin a career at a high school in the athletic director’s capacity and also start a high school coaching career.
Although Shubik’s short term athletic future as well as his long term future is still not finalized yet, he is sure that the support he has received from his family and friends have enabled him to succeed.
“I cannot thank everyone enough for giving me so much encouragement and support,” he said. “That has meant so much to me.”