BOYS' BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK (DEC. 31-JAN. 5)
Justin McCarthur, 6-0 junior guard, Bishop McDevitt
About McCarthur: Already a two-year varsity veteran when he checked into Bishop McDevitt from Susquehanna Twp., the bullet-bodied McCarthur immediately became a modicum of consistency while showcasing his ability to play wing guard and handle the point.
Able to bury a trusty jumper from deep -- McCarthur has canned 21 triples for Jeff Hoke's high-octane Crusaders (8-3, 4-3) and is averaging a team-high 17.6 points per game -- he can also use his strength and handle to wheel into the pain for power finishes or to find an open teammate. Helps explain why McDevitt has gotten on a recent roll and rattled off five consecutive victories.
McCarthur began his week by pouring in 24 points as McDevitt collared a 68-60 victory at Trinity, then matched that spiffy number two nights later in a 69-60 triumph over Mechanicsburg that closed the doors on rustic Tracy Hall. Fourteen of McCarthur's game-high output came after the halftime break.
Back on the road again Saturday night, McCarthur capped a productive week that helped render three victories by banking nine points as Hoke's Crusaders held off fast-closing Lancaster Catholic 55-52. In McDevitt's three wins, McCarthur averaged 19.0 points, 5.3 assists and 4.0 rebounds per.
A composed two-way player with a good feel for the game, McCarthur plays a lead role for a youthful McDevitt club capable of making plenty of noise going forward -- in the Mid-Penn Keystone Division as well as the postseason. Scary part is there's just one senior in the Crusaders' seven-man rotation.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Trey Baker, Palmyra -- Began the week by posting a career-high 25 points in win vs. Lower Dauphin, then added 14 more in stunning upset of Susquehanna Twp. Capped it with 12 more in victory over Annville-Cleona. Also Palmyra's toughest defender.
Jordan Dockens, Carlisle -- Thundering Herd are on a heck of a roll (five straight wins), and Dockens is a big reason why. In wins last week over CD East and Central York, he scored 18 and 23 points.
Josh Ferguson, Greenwood -- Smooth as they come, this do-it-all type engineered a 3-0 week for the Wildcats. After scoring eight in a PeCo title win over Susquenita, he popped 17 points and five assists to help beat East Juniata. Capper was a 21-point salvo vs. Lancaster Country Day.
Dyllon Hudson-Emory, Bishop McDevitt -- McCarthur isn't doing it alone at McDevitt. Hudson-Emory scored 17 vs. Trinity, 20 vs. Mechanicsburg, then hit a go-ahead fadeaway jumper in the closing minute to spark a Saturday victory at Lancaster Catholic, capping a 12-point effort.
Adam Newhard, Palmyra -- He's been remarkably consistent this season, so his double-digit numbers in three wins this week are no surprise. What's especially big, though, is he scored 16 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Cougars' comeback and signature victory vs. Susquehanna Twp. Total of 49 points in three games.
Timmy Orr, Lebanon Catholic -- Flatly stated, he's a natural scorer with the ability to light it up from deep or drive right past you. He scored 15 in a win over Lancaster Catholic, bumped to 22 to help beat Columbia, then topped it with 29 points in triumph over Mount Calvary.
Shaquon Sheppard, Harrisburg -- Had a lightning first half in the Cougars' win over Williamsport, then followed up the next night with 23 points (11 of 14 shooting) and 15 rebounds in another huge W vs. State College. Really finding his rhythm at Kimber Gymnasium.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Week 1: Jonas Page, Susquehanna Twp.
Week 2: Dee'quan Fleming, Steel-High
Week 3: Kellen Williams, Chambersburg
NOTE ABOUT THE PROCESS:We pull nominees from the entire Mid-Penn Conference and Tri-Valley League, plus any PIAA school from Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry or Lebanon counties. Though not set in stone, to trim our weekly list of nominees, we generally select from teams that had undefeated weeks with 2+ victories. Strength of schedule counts!