In the 2022-23 season, the State High basketball team finished its best year since 2017 with a 25-3 record, going 14-1 in the Mid-Penn Conference. The team looks to build on that success as they open up this season in the Skip Coleman Tip-Off Tournament this Friday, Dec. 8 at State High.
The State High Boys Basketball team is made up of entirely juniors and seniors except for one sophomore, Manny Elliott. The team has three new captains this year, Aidan Angus, Xion Nichols, and Luke Torbic.
“We’re going to need them to show a lot of leadership in guiding this group forward. Each guy is going to have to contribute in ways that have not in the past,” Head Coach Brian Scholly said.
Captain Nichols, a shooting guard, shared his perspective on being a captain. “It brings leading my team, responsibility, and an opportunity to inspire my teammates.”
Some things that he has to do as a captain are, “Taking every practice and game like it’s the last, leading by example.”
Nichols later mentioned that he plans on playing basketball in college. He hasn’t received any offers yet but there have been spikes in interest from some schools.
Last year’s team was very good, winning the District VI title, and even making it to the state quarterfinals before falling to the Spring-Ford Rams. No one has seen if this year’s team can build on that momentum.
“I think we have a great group of kids who are going to play hard and play for each other. We have a big challenge to overcome with our lack of experience but we’re going to attack that challenge with focus and force every day,” Scholly said.
Scholly also mentioned how there is not a single returning player with consistent rotation minutes. Therefore, everyone is going to have increased opportunities and everyone will get an opportunity to show what they can do. This could mean that the rotations could be subject to change at any point this season.
This team has a wide range of potential outcomes, but Scholly and Nichols are optimistic. “Our goal every season is to become the best team we can be, and to be a team that people can be proud to support,” Scholly said, “I’m confident that this group can reach those goals.”
Nichols also touched on this.
“I see my team winning districts competing for a state championship. After last season’s great team we have a lot to live up to,” he said.
There will be a lot to expect of this team this season and a lot to live up to after last year’s successful season. While there are no returning players who played meaningful minutes, these boys will not disappoint this upcoming season. After the Skip Coleman Tournament, the Little Lions open up Mid-Penn Conference play on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at home against Altoona.
