Fantaski, Pentz, Hoy and Persun dominated in 2023-24
By Bees O’Brien
CLINTON COUNTY- One day removed from the incredible Bucktail state playoff run, I am writing up the release of The Record 2023-24 boys’ all-star team. The Record sports staff had plenty of talent to choose from so, without further ado, I give you The Record 2023-24 All-Star selections for boys basketball.
First Team
Brody Pentz, Bucktail, Jr, F- 17 double-doubles will surely get you locked in on any selection team, or so you would think. Pentz was relegated to a simple honorable mention within the Mid Penn Conference despite leading the conference in rebounding and near the top amongst scorers. Pentz scored 34 points in the Bucks’ District 4 championship win, went over 1,000 career points and was constantly leading the team in steals, assists and blocked shots on a nightly basis.
Hunter Hoy, Central Mountain, Jr, PG- Hoy’s 17.6 points per outing led the county and was a huge part of why the Wildcats found themselves back in the playoffs. Hoy was also second on the team in rebounds. His 3.7 assists per game and 3.1 steals per contest were a Central Mountain-best. Most impressive was Hoy’s amazing 72 percent from the charity stripe, something that is almost unheard of at the high school level.
Brett Mason, Bucktail, Sr, G- Mason, like the rest of his teammates had a rough start to the season, but he became a very reliable offensive and defensive weapon down the stretch for the district champion Bucks. Mason was crucial down the stretch and scored in multiple double-digit games, including doing so in Bucktail’s big victory over Northumberland Christian in the district semifinals. Mason showed his grit against Galeton and Lancaster County Christian by playing with a bum ankle. His hustle will be missed in Farwell.
Xavier Persun, Central Mountain, Sr, SG/F- X finished second on the team in scoring by netting 10 per game. The senior was a weapon from the three-point line all season long. The senior was third on the team in rebounds and dished out 44 assists. He was also amongst team leaders in assists and three-point percentage.
Braylon Fantaski, Bucktail, Sr, G- Fantaski had a tremendous career at Bucktail. He was amongst county leaders in scoring and hit the 1,000-point mark in Bucktail’s district title win over Galeton. Fantaski will forever be known for his incredible 42-point performance in the Bucks’ semifinal upset over top-seeded Norry Christian. That personal performance will be part of his legacy at Bucktail.
Caleb Mahoney, Central Mountain, Jr, PG/G- Mahoney was a true floor general for the Wildcats. He was a constant hustler and ended up being the team’s third leading scorer. 8.8 ppg and a 44 percent field goal percentage was surely what locked the junior onto the first team. Mahoney will be back next season and gunning to advance CM in the playoffs. Mahoney, from his guard position led the Wildcats in blocked shots.
Second Team
Max Verrelli, Central Mountain, Jr, SG- Verrelli was Head Coach Bardo’s hired gun from beyond the arc. Verrelli sank 33 percent of his shots from downtown and quickly became an effective role player for the Wildcats. The junior is amongst a very strong class returning to CM for their senior campaign, which could be special.
Johnny Green, Bucktail, Sr, F/C- Green played much bigger than his height. His defense on 6’6” Alec Phillips in the Norry upset win was crucial. Green could shoot the three and pulled down tough rebounds. The physical senior scored 10 points in Bucktail’s state playoff loss on Friday evening.
Brady Myers, Central Mountain, Sr, F- Myers, like Green used his physical presence and hustle. Myers led the Wildcats in rebounds with 130 of them on the season. Myers also dished out 45 assists, good enough for second on the team. Myers was also second on the team in steals per game and blocked shots.
Gary Whipp, Bucktail, Jr, PG- The Mayor of Whippville had another terrific season as a Buck. Whipp’s super speedy defense resulted in some big plays that led to Bucktail victories. His biggest play was a desperation three-point bomb that sank in and sent Bucktail’s CMVT Holdiay Tournament Championship game against Meadowbrook Christian into the first of two overtimes, a game the Bucks eventually won.
Blake Walker, Central Mountain, So, G- The sophomore guard is one of the many exciting reasons to be a Wildcat fan next season. Walker played well in his limited role with this year’s varsity squad and could very well show more improvements when his junior season comes around. Walker averaged over 3 points per game in a limited role that could grow in 2024-25.
Gavin Pick, Bucktail, Fr, F- Pick, the only freshman on this list has a tremendous upside. Pick scored 10 points, a career high and helped the Bucks defeat Northern Potter early in the season. Pick proved his worth and filled in nicely in the state playoff loss by scoring 4 points and grabbing 4 rebounds. His role will greatly increase next season with the departure of 4 seniors in Farwell.
