Tis the season folks. It is certainly a busy time of year. The St. John Neumann Golden Knights are playing lots of games. COVID concerns and snow days makes it rather difficult. Our schedule seems to change on a daily basis. We aren’t the only ones in the gym three or four nights a week. Everyone is in the same boat. It is insane.

We play in the MID PENN Conference. It is a collection of small schools here in north central Pennsylvania. I enjoy the camaraderie with the coaches. They are all good dudes and we have so much in common. Coaching is hard. And we share our frustrations. There is a lot more to it than showing up to games and running practice.

The Golden Knights hosted our chums from the South Side this past Saturday. It was a very intense game. Both teams played well, and Neumann came out on top. My guards are pretty dang good, and they found a way. SJNRA 63. South 56. Davion Hill led all scorers with 28 points. Hanief Clay added 16. Lee Habler was solid for the Mounties. The junior swing man tallied 26. Aaron Akers had 10. It was a good win.

We were back in action the following Monday. There is no time to rest. The Knights hosted the Rangers from Northwest. Neumann played well early, and it was a very balanced attack. Four players had double digits. Davion had 19. Hanief scored 17. My man Nas Dymeck was crowned the HOMECOMING KING and had a career high 16. Jerval Weeks-Shuler added 10 and played some great defense. SJNRA 76. Northwest 43. Gary McLerdon played awesome and led the Rangers with 25 points.

The Golden Knights headed to Muncy two days later in a very important MID PENN matchup. Neumann gave the Indians their only league loss earlier this season. Muncy is well coached, and they can certainly play. We knew it would be a challenge and it was in front of a very large crowd. The atmosphere was outstanding. Both teams battled. There were so many runs. Neumann didn’t play their best, but we found a way. We nipped our rivals 67-58 to hang on to first place. Hanief Clay was outstanding. The senior guard shined with 34 points, 10 rebounds, 6 steals and 6 dimes. Davion Hill was also impressive. He tallied 24 and grabbed 13 boards.

I am huge fans of Ross and Branson Eyer. I went to school with their parents, and I have known them both for a very long time. Great kids. Ross can play. He finished with 15 points and 18 rebounds. Another double-double. Branson was solid and scored 11. I also have to give some love to Louden Boring. He played great defense and helped Muncy mount a fourth quarter charge. Louden had 10 points and has a great head of hair. It was a tremendous basketball game and both teams got better. We competed and played hard and paid our respects when it was all over. No one stormed the court.

SJNRA is now 14-2 and 11-0 in the MID PENN. We are getting there, folks. We have four games left and the boys and I are gearing up for another post-season run. There is a lot more to it. My guys make me look good both on and off the court. Some might question. Perhaps by the way we play or how we dress. I am so proud of my guys. Again. Most of you don’t see it. My guards are the complete package.

Davion Hill is a stud. The junior is the most talented player I have ever coached. He has already received many Division-1 offers, and I am very curious to see where he will land. Davion has a great smile, and he has a great heart. My man signs several autographs and takes hundreds of selfies with little fans after every game. I am dead serious. Davion is always the last to leave the locker room and he will even walk through and pick up our trash. I never ask him to do it. It is just the type of kid that he is.

I am so proud of Hanief Clay. My man has been through so much. Neef had to sit out his entire sophomore year because of some bogus stuff. Clay has been a high honor roll student the past few semesters. He works so hard in the classroom. Hanief is so good with the young fans. He is a rock star with our elementary school kids. My guys are terrific with my son. Hanief especially. He will often send Jensen a text message to congratulate him. It is a beautiful thing.

Best wishes to everyone as you get ready for the postseason. Cheers.