The Montoursville Hoops team is rolling. The Warriors have punched their ticket to the PIAA State playoffs. Coach Mike Mussina and his guys will face Lewisburg in the District 4 AAA Finals. I plan to go to shake some hands and kiss some babies. They are playing extremely well. Making the extra pass, hitting shots, and they are solid on defense. Many have stepped up. Montoursville has a nice mix of young and old players. The Warriors knocked off a scrappy Shamokin squad in the District Semis.

“This last game showed our growth throughout the year,” Sophomore Jay Houseknecht said. “We were .500 last season. We didn’t impress anyone. Now we are playing for a District Championship and have made it to the State Tournament. Tons have stepped up, from the starters to the bench. We understand it. Our guys are working extra hard in practice. We don’t have that 1-2 punch. It is more of a team effort. Everyone knows their role. That is the key to our successes.”

I have many ties to the Montoursville team. I know their coaches. Mike Heinbach and I are good buddies. Some of their dads even played for me. You can’t make it up. Yes. I am getting old. One even wrapped my ankle before practice. A lot of these guys are my son’s age. I have seen them grow both on and off. Multiple sports. It is great to see. I remember them when they were little wiis. Montoursville is now 18-6 on the year. And if they continue to play well, they will make a run. The future is bright.

“We have great chemistry,” Sophomore Isaac Erlandson mentioned. “We are playing solid team defense. Many of us play together year-round. That helps, too. We take pride in hustling and getting those rebounds. We try to keep the other teams under 50. If we do that — we have a great chance at winning. There is a trust that everyone on the floor will do their part. Our defense helps our offense. It gives us that energy.”

“Our younger guys are fantastic,” Senior Shea Ulmer added. “They worked hard all summer. Cam (Cintron) and Eli (Eck) don’t play like sophomores. They are just as good, if not better than, anyone we go against. This experience has been great for me personally. We are playing well, and these big games are so much fun. I am super proud of my teammates. They continue to push. It has been fun. And hopefully there is more to come.”

Montoursville continues to do well with all of its sports. They have a culture. A fine tradition. They care. A lot of these guys are on the sidelines and diamonds. It doesn’t matter the time of year. Some have seen success at many different levels. This only adds to their confidence and swagger. Great stuff.

“Most of us have been playing together since the 2nd grade,” Sophomore Elijah Eck zoomed. “I think this helps with all of our wins this basketball season. Yes. Many of us also play football and baseball. These sports also help in terms of physicality and mental toughness. Making runs and the playoff experiences have definitely prepared us. We are used to the crowds. Just a different season.”

I have lots of fun memories with Montoursville. It was my first coaching opportunity. They handed the keys to a 24-year-old kid. I often look back and smile. We were just awful, but then we won some games. I said a few naughty words, and I was let go. NO WORRIES. That was 17 years ago. The circle of life is grand. I really enjoyed reaching out to these athletes. I have strong bonds with all four families. Well done, Warriors. Best wishes. Cheers.