I found myself driving home from a game. The Millionaires were on the road. We made two trips to the greater Harrisburg area this week. No worries. I enjoy my time on Route 15. I listen to music and think.

I felt bad for my behavior last night. I was in rare form. I am usually a cool customer. Perhaps someone spiked my Diet Coke. I was that guy who walked into the gym and handed my son’s coach a Gatorade during warm-ups. Embarrassing. I used to HATE that. My bad Lamar. Never again. Then I lost my voice, yelling at the officials. Especially after the bogus technical foul on our bench. Dude? Grow up. I am sorry. But you don’t act like this at home. True. I am wearing a headset. I bite my tongue.

I have been blessed to step foot in many fantastic basketball arenas. I use this page to document some of my favorites. I have done articles on UCLA’s Pauly Pavilion, PSU’s Bryce Jordan, the old Hershey Park, and Williamsport’s MAGIC DOME. I am a hoops junkie, and I am so spoiled. Jensen’s squad will travel to Pottsville soon. They play the Crimson Tide at another incredible venue.

Martz Hall was built in 1970. She holds 4,200 seats and has hosted thousands of big-time contests. The locals call her the MECCA. The facility is right across the street from Pottsville High on a steep hill. It is a large bowl dug deep in the ground. She has been a staple for every Schuylkill, District 11, and many PIAA STATE games.

Martz has gone through some major renovations. The lower portion has new metal bleachers. The upper deck still has an old-school feel. Wooden tops on poured concrete. It is outstanding. A few even refer to it as the HEAVEN of HARDWOOD.

MaxPreps, an online service specializing in American High School sports, listed Martz Hall as “One of the Top 10 High School Gyms You Need to See Before You Die.” Muhammad Ali once fought there. The Harlem Globetrotters shined. Many politicians have held rallies. Three presidents. Say what?

Martz Hall and I go back many moons. My first experience was when the Millionaires had a second-round PIAA matchup with the Mighty Chester Clippers back in 1995. We were heavy underdogs to the defending State Champs. They were good. I didn’t get any minutes. But I was on fire in pregame warm-ups. I tracked down a few old photos. What an incredible night. Rasheed Campbell hit a half-court heave at the buzzer to force overtime. We prevailed and totally busted everyone’s bracket. Williamsport advanced. #player.

I was back a few years later to watch the super-talented 1999 Millionaires play Council Rock in the AAAA Eastern Final. This was the biggest crowd I have ever encountered for a high school game. Standing room only. People were everywhere. Insane. So loud. Williamsport won easily and went on to win the State Championship. #fan.

I called a few games at Martz Hall for PA SPORTS LIVE. One was a rematch between Williamsport and Chester in 2013. The Clippers were led by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. A crazy athletic 6’7 wingman who went to Arizona and played 8 years in the NBA. Williamsport’s Jahad Thomas did what he could. But Chester was legit. #broadcaster.

Saint John Neumann played a scrappy Linville Christian in 2022. I again had the best seat in the gym. Well, I mostly stood. Davion Hill and Hanief Clay were outstanding in that game. They made me look good. Linville was solid. Exceptional program. They are currently the top dog in AA. The Knights went on to win by 10. Another great night in Pottsville. We should’ve played zone. 2022 was a magical run for the boys and me. That was my last year coaching. I was thrilled to have the chance to return to Martz Hall. #coach.

I am so looking forward to making the trip to Pottsville. I plan to take many photos. Several before and afters. I asked Jensen to take a few shots from the corner. Just for some comparisons. Teach is going. We are thrilled for the opportunity to watch our son and his teammates. Hopefully, they will embrace it. I will. #parent.

Yes. Martz Hall is one special place. Cheers.