NTL BOYS' BASKETBALL: MORNINGSTAR POSTS STRONG SEASON AS WYALUSING BATTLES THROUGH TOUGH YEAR (2023-03-14)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
After back to back district titles Wyalusing boys’ basketball coach Brent Keyes knew this year would be a little tougher. They lost six of their seven rotation players from a year ago, and got bumped up into Class AAA.

The Rams missed the district playoffs, going 4-18 on the year, though they were better than their record indicated.

“It was difficult taking a step backwards in the win column,” said Keyes. “But I was incredibly proud of how hard our group worked, and we saw continued improvement throughout the season.”

Seven of their losses were by single digits, and a few others were competitive games into the fourth quarter. Their offense also picked up as the season went on, going from averaging 38 PPG in the first half of the season to 52.2 in the second half.

The high point of the season was probably their final win, a thrilling 60-58 victory at their rivals, Towanda, in a crazy game that saw Wyalusing go up by 20-points in the first quarter only to lose lead by halftime. 

And, at one point in the season, they were 2-1 with wins at Susquehanna and Cowanesque Valley.

Despite the setback in the win column senior Blake Morningstar put together one of the best individual seasons in school history.

He averaged 25.2 PPG and 12.9 RPG, finishing with over 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in his career.

He had two 40-point games, 48 in three quarters against Williamson, land 42 in a thrilling loss to Sayre.

“Blake Morningstar gave us everything he had for the duration of his career, and was a part of so many special things on our program. He was a huge part of two district titles, a league title, and all of his individual accomplishments: All-state as a Junior, 1000 points, and 500 rebounds. He had one of the best careers in Wyalusing basketball history.”

They got contributions from newcomers Trehnon Hugo (6.0 PPG), Parker Petlock (5.2 PPG), and Nick Vanderpool JR. (5.2 PPG). They’ll be the foundation of the team as they look to improve next season.

“Our seniors will be missed,” Keyes said. “I was really happy that Brody Fuhrey came back to us for his senior season, and he brought great energy to the team on a daily basis. Thomas Oliver worked extremely hard throughout his career, and really played his best basketball at the end of the year.”