D6SN Sports Editor
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The D6SN is proud to announce that we will be broadcasting the boys basketball championship Saturday night at 8:00 between Bishop McCort and Bishop Carroll LIVE over the web, which can be found here. The D6SN covered one basketball game last season, but we have focused this season on keeping tabs with weekly power ranking updates. We are excited to cover the rematch of last season's championship game in which Bishop McCort defeated Bishop Carroll 53-44, and get back into the broadcast booth for the first time since the football district championships.
The names on the jerseys are the same, but much has changed since last season. Bishop Carroll's postseason run last season fueled this season's 20-0 start and number three ranking in the state wide polls. The Huskies returned four starters from last season's state class A quarterfinal team, and they are playing like they are on a mission. Bishop McCort reached the state's Sweet 16 in AA, but lost some important seniors, their point guard to a transfer, and their head coach. Still, this resilient Crushers team has found a way back to the championship game behind the play of their strong senior class.
Bishop Carroll
21-0 Overall 16-0 LHAC
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| Brandon Martinazzi |
#23 Brandon Martinazzi 5-9 Jr. Guard. 19 PPG 2.1 Assists 2.9 Steals. 44% 3 point shooting
#12 Marcus Lee 6-6 Sr. Center. 17 PPG 7.4 Rebounds. 1.0 Blocks.
#11 Scott Lucas 6-0 Jr. Guard. 8.1 PPG 2.7 Steals. 35% 3 point shooting
#4 David Maruca 5-10 Sr. Guard. 5.7 PPG 2.7 Assists.
#15 Nick Suckinos 6-1 Jr. Forward. 5.4 PPG 33% 3 point shooting
#24 Mitchell Madonna 5-9 Sr. Guard. 5.2 PPG 4.1 Steals 2.9 Assists
Bishop Carroll comes in with the gaudy undefeated record, and it's because of their up-tempo style that forces teams into bad decisions. The Huskies average an impressive 17 steals per game, and it comes from their on-ball pressure and relentless nature. The Huskies' offensive attack starts with their silky smooth junior guard, Brandon Martinazzi. Already a member of the 1,000 point club, Martinazzi finds a lot of his scoring inside the arch for someone who stands only 5-9. Bishop Carroll also relies heavily on their senior center, Marcus Lee. The big man has always been a presence, but has become more assertive and confident down low this season. He is putting up all state numbers, and he can really control the lane with his size and length. Outside of the big two, coach Cosie Aliquo has really found productive roles and niches for the rest of his rotation. Scott Lucas and Nick Suckinos play out on the wing, and really can slash to the basket and cause havoc in their press. Mitchell Madonna and David Maruca are heady, experienced senior guards that are very effective, even when they are not scoring. Nick Burk, a 6-5 senior, provides an extra big body off the bench. This team has not been tested much this season, and have put up some eye popping numbers, including a 26 point victory over McCort earlier in the season.
Bishop McCort
15-6 Overall 13-3 LHAC
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| Nemo Trexler |
#11 Nemo Trexler 6-5 Sr. Forward. 19 PPG 9.4 Rebounds. 1.2 Blocks.
#13 Nathan Neiderhiser 6-1 Sr. Guard. 11.9 PPG. 5.7 Rebounds. 3.1 Assists. 38% 3 point shooting.
#23 Tyler Rugg 6-2 Sr. Forward. 6.2 PPG 5.6 Rebounds.
#32 Karch Helsel 6-3 Jr. Center. 5.7 PPG 5.2 Rebounds
#10 Stephen Ingram 5-7 Sr. Guard. 4.8 PPG. 3.1 Assists. 2.1 Steals
#15 Alex Conahan 6-4 So. Forward. 4.5 PPG 3.3 Rebounds
Bishop McCort had a slow start, but found their groove after the new year started. McCort feeds off the offense of their senior star, Nemo Trexler, and play solid defense in the half court. Nemo Trexler is closing in on the school's all time scoring mark, and has really opened up his game this season. The senior forward has added a dangerous jump shot to his already wide array of moves, and has been averaging 25 points per game in the second half of the season.Nathan Neiderhiser has made the transition from a role guy to second option without seemingly missing a beat. Neiderhiser provides their top outside shooting threat, but fills the stat sheet in plenty of other ways as well. Stephen Ingram does not look for the shot much, but his speed and quickness are big part of his game in running the team. Tyler Rugg provides toughness and versatility, and the two underclassmen forwards, Helsel and Conahan, have different, yet effective games and are capable scorers when they have been called upon this season. McCort may not "wow" a lot of people, but when they are clicking they are a scary team to face, judging by their 25 point victory over a very good Bishop Guilfoyle team.
Quick Analysis
Bishop Carroll is a very good team, and the undefeated record is warranted. The Huskies blend a whole arsenal of quick guards with their big time center perfectly. Bishop McCort has been hot down the stretch, and they have really improved since the first meeting between the two teams, and it seems everyone understands their role better now. A few of the things to watch:
- How will Carroll handle the game coming off a game with AAAA Hollidaysburg? Last year, it seemed the Huskies were drained under the same circumstances having played a game the night before.
- Can anyone stop Nemo Trexler? The senior forward has always been a big scorer for the Crushers, but has taken it to a new level in recent weeks. Foul trouble always seems to always creep up and be a problem with him, and that could be something to watch during this game.
- The contrast of BC's quickness against McCort's strength will be something to see. McCort could have problems against the on ball pressure, which could lead to easy Carroll layups. On the other side, if it becomes a half court style of game, McCort has some bigger bodies that can be physical with the smaller Huskies.
Definitely tune in Saturday at 8:00 on the D6SN. Our website is having some difficulties, but check back here, Bleachercoaches.com, Our Facebook page, and our Twitter for updates on where the broadcast link will be.
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