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Friday, February 1, 2008
The Cream Rises to the Top
Greater Reading, PA
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By: Michael J. Esterly
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Photo(s) By: Rob Mancini
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The gyms are heating up and this year's crop of talent id bringing the house down. Check out these must see players coming to a hard court near you.
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Past Boys Basketball County Champions
2007: Wilson
2006: Central Catholic
2005: Reading High
2004: Reading High
2003: Conrad Weiser
2002: Reading High
2001: Central Catholic
2000: Central Catholic
1999: Reading High
1998: Central Catholic
Past Girls Basketball County Champions
2007: Reading High
2006: Wilson
2005: Schuylkill Valley
2004: Reading High
2003: Reading High
2002: Reading High
2001: Holy Name
2000: Wilson
1999: Governor Mifflin
1998: Wilson
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Jordan Burdine / Senior / Guard, Reading High
Jordan is enjoying great success this season, a player known for his outstanding defensive effort and his ability to score at will.
A pure scorer with the ability to get to the free throw line and stretch defenses with his outside shooting, Jordan returned to the Red Knights this season after a one-year stint at Glen Mills. His hard work earned him a starting spot on Richie Reyes’ squad. Burdine has been a key factor to the success of Reading High’s stellar play this winter. Coach Reyes told us, “He is one of the most versatile and well-rounded players on this basketball team.”
The Red Knights have a stranglehold on the Berks Conference 1 division and are a favorite to win the county championship and to make a deep run in district and state playoffs.
Jon May / Senior / Center, Exeter
Head coach Kevin Boettlin calls Jon the “backbone” of the Eagles basketball team and their top scorer.
The success the Birds might enjoy this winter became less of a dream and more of a reality after May opened the season with 16 points against Oley Valley. Two days later he chalked up 17 more. Since then he’s been averaging over 13 points per game.
“Jon always plays hard whether it is an open gym, game, or practice. He is a coach’s dream,” stated Boettlin. On the court, Jon is the “go-to-guy” who has a strong presence in the paint. “He really dedicated a lot of time over the summer working on his post moves and it shows,” noted Boettlin.
May will have to continue to work hard to help his team challenge the powerful Reading High Red Knights in the Berks Conference I division.
Holly Dinnella / Junior / Guard, Daniel Boone
“Clutch” is the best word to describe Holly, exclaimed head coach Bryan Bossler. Dinnella began the season with a solid 15-point performance during the opener against Palisades. Since then she has been averaging 14 points per game.
Holly capitalizes on opposing teams’ mistakes, generating many points off of turnovers. “Her best attribute would be her crossover. It is hard to defend her when she slashes through the key,” stated Bossler. Dinnella can play both the point and shooting guard position, which makes her a double-threat.
“She is a positive leader on the court and has a refuse-to-lose attitude,” concluded Bossler. Holly is helping her team in a competitive battle for the Berks Conference II division.
Lauren Heliger / Junior / Guard, Berks Christian School
What’s the key to the Berks Christian School basketball team? Lauren Heliger and the 18-plus points she averages per game for the Lions.
“Lauren’s ability to handle the ball and see the floor has been a contributing factor to our success. During practice Lauren strives to better herself as well as the team, and has an outstanding work ethic.” said Lions’ coach Troy Wible.
Heliger has been playing with the Lions in the Commonwealth Christian Athletic Conference since her freshman year. Wible added, “Lauren is a very talented player”
Larry Geedey / Junior / Guard, Twin Valley
When you think of big-time scoring, the name Larry Geedey, is becoming more prominent in the minds of Berks County hoops fans. The Twin Valley point guard is averaging over 20 points per game.
With over two years of varsity experience, Geedey has catapulted himself into one of the leagues top scorers. “The kid is an absolute gym rat. I would catch him in the gymnasium running wind sprints over the summer,” said former Raiders coach Tom Legath. Geedey fine tuned his game last summer playing against the likes of Reading Railers forward Kevin Handy.
Derek Zeller / Senior / Guard, Muhlenberg
“Zeller is a player who has a natural feel for the game”, says head coach Tom Sload. Derek isn’t the type of player who will shoot the basketball when shots aren’t there. He plays smart, a pure shooter.
Deceptive is the word Coach Sload used to describe Derek. “He isn’t the type of guy some people would look at and think he is a threat. After two minutes, though, his opponents think otherwise.” Zeller has been playing since his sophomore year and is someone Coach Sload likes having on the basketball court as much as possible.
Sload has coached Derek since the 4th grade. “It’s going to be very different not seeing Derek out on the basketball court for us next season.”
Rebecca Werstler / Junior / Guard, Fleetwood
Rebecca got her opportunity as a full-time starter this season and has thrived at the guard position, averaging over 10 points per game.
Since assuming a leadership role for the Tigers, Rebecca has become a better player. “She can get to the basket well and is very solid running the floor. She works hard at practice and is determined to become a better player,” said head coach Chad Walters.
Werstler is a dangerous shooter from the outside because of her quick release and the swiftness with which she sets up her shot. She plays hard-nosed defense and is very aggressive trying to create turnovers.
Corielle Yarde / Senior / Guard, Schuylkill Valley
Cory is the most feared guard in Berks County with the huge 25-plus points she averages per game.
“She has outstanding quickness and leaping ability which causes problems for most opponents. She has a deadly outside shot and has been the complete team player,” said coach Mitzi Reitnouer.
Reitnouer added, “She is an exceptional player who displays amazing athletic ability.” The Panthers are one of the favorites to win the Berks County championship.
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