The winter sports scene is finally here, and I have already been in the gym to see several games. I am a long-time basketball junkie. A purist. I prefer to get to get there well before the tip. I enjoy interacting with some of the players in pregame warmups. A wave or a fist bump always makes my day. Sometimes, my son, Jensen, will tag along. But I am usually solo. No worries. That’s how I like it.
Small-school college hoops are my absolute favorite. We are so blessed to have two Division 3 schools and three Division 2 universities in the area. They provide the platform for some fantastic basketball. These kids are so good. I also love seeing so many local guys still playing. Where are they?
I am biased towards Lycoming College. It is where I went to school, and I have many ties to the program. I continue to coach the golf team at my alma mater. I even have a few players on the roster. Dual sport athletes. Lycoming also has some local kids who are superb. They are all outstanding people and solid players.
Hayden Pardoe is the man. The 6’7 sophomore throwback from Central Mountain has serious game. Hayden helps Jensen with his shooting in the summer. They have since bonded. They are chums. Pardoe is averaging 18.2 points and 6.8 rebs per game.
JJ Beagle played his high school ball at Williamsport Area. The 6’7 athletic big man is getting better. He works extremely hard and is coming back from an injury. JJ is a team captain, and he is slowly getting some minutes. Lycoming will need him when they get to conference play.
My man, Joe Savage, is a freshman at Penn College. The 6’5 wing is making an impact. I coached Joe for a few years at Saint John Neumann. He is a great kid and has some skills. Savage is averaging 5.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per contest. Montoursville’s Landon Reeder is also on the Wildcat roster. The 6’7 post is very active. Landon has improved, and he brings energy. Great hair and a healthy beard. His dad and I are fishing buddies.
Loyalsock’s Aiden Gair and Saraj Ali are reunited. The two former Lancers are now playing at Millersville University. Gair is a 6’5 sharp shooting sniper. The junior transferred from Montana State. Aiden is averaging 17.8 points for the Marauders. Saraj is a super-talented 6’6, active big man. The junior spent the last two seasons at Mansfield University. He is averaging 13 points and 6.9 rebounds. Millersville is a legit D2 program. Saraj’s little older brother Idris is now at Lock Haven. What a great kid. The 6’0 senior point guard is averaging 6.4 points per clip for the Bald Eagles. Central Mountain’s Jack Hanna is also on the roster. He is a freshman.
Williamsport’s Cole Johnson is in his last year at Marywood. I believe he already graduated, but the 6’6 lefty had one more year of eligibility. Cole is averaging 9.3 points and 3.2 rebounds a game for the Pacers. I hope he is still playing his upright bass. Neumann’s Tyrick Moy is playing for Lackawanna College. The 6’3 freshman wing is averaging 7.7 points and 8.2 rebounds. Another solid youngster. I am glad he found an opportunity. Great stuff, guys.
Best wishes. Much more later.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Cheers.
