By Ben Otte Co-Editor-In-Chief Michael Fox has been the backbone for his team all season long. His agile, 6-foot-5 presence has paved the way for a more successful season than the basketball program has seen in years. “He works very hard and it’s gotten us a lot of success this year,” Schmehl says. The hard work Schmehl talks about has provided Fox the opportunity to outshine many of his opponents. On both sides of the court, the results from that are seen on the scoreboard. Points can say a lot about a team, but more recently they’ve said a lot for Fox himself after scoring his 1,000 point versus Southwestern in the regular season. “Many people were talking about it. I was just glad to get past that point to clear the air,” Fox said. “It’s a big accomplishment.” Entering Senior Night versus the Mustangs, Fox only needed 17 points. After nearing a whopping 25-30 points in prior games, this seemed like no challenge for Fox. In the second half versus Southwestern, Fox stayed on target once his critical two-point basket lost its balance off the rim and dropped through the net. “The feeling was just really good and it showed that hard work really pays off,” Fox said. Many teams have been able to limit Fox’s scoring ability, according to head coach Steve Schmehl, causing other players on the Lion squad to bring their game, particularly players such as junior Stone McCreary and sophomore Jason Rebuck. “Stone and Jason have been huge for us this year. When other teams have pressured me a lot this year, those guys been really easy to find and come up big,” Fox said. Whether Fox pours in baskets himself or makes quick passes to his skilled teammates, the three-year starter has proven great aggressive ability not only from inside the paint, but from beyond the arc. “Mike is a leader. He does what he can for his team and they know it,” head coach Steve Schmehl said. “He’s done a lot for this program. We’re very proud of what he’s done and what he will do in his future.” Following the mark of his huge milestone, Fox was quick to hand his mother, Bonnie Fox, a bouquet of flowers in the stands. “She just means a lot to me. She’s always been there and been such a great supporter.” Fox now has become the thirteenth Red Lion boy to reach this epic milestone following Spencer McCreary in 2010. “I take it as an honor, having the privilege to be on that list. Those are some really good basketball players.”
0 Comments
By Ben Otte Co-Editor-In-Chief The Red Lion boys basketball team opened up the YAIAA county tournament Friday night with plenty of ease. The Lions said goodbye to the Trojans early after jumping to a 15-2 lead in the game’s opening minutes. Mike Fox poured in 16 points in the first half alone, while teammate Stone McCreary sunk three 3-pointers to further boost the offensive rhythm. Senior guard Evan Miller was inactive because of a broken hand he suffered a few days prior on the road at William Penn. Miller’s absence gave sophomore Bennett Frey his first start of the season. “We really didn’t know what to expect with our point guard Evan Miller not playing,” head coach Steve Schmehl said. “But other guys stepped up and played really well.” As it turned out, sophomore Jason Rebuck was one the players to calm Schmehl’s uncertainty. Rebuck added 15 points en route to a 65-40 win. The starting forward proved equally effective on the defensive end, beating Suburban’s 6-foot-7 big man Malique Lewis on the glass time and time again. Following the dominating performance, Schmehl received word that his team will play top-seeded Central York in the semifinals on Tuesday at home. “They got us in two close ones already and you learn something every time you play a games close like that. I would say it’s hard to beat a team three times.” Red Lion (65) vs. York Suburban (40) Frey 1 0-0 2, Godfrey 1 0-0 2, Gillispie 0 0-0 0, Huson 1 2-4 4, Stone McCreary 4 0-0 11, Mike Fox 12 4-5 28, Tyson 0 1-2 1, Schreckengast 0 0-0 0, Rebuck 7 1-4 15, Wanbaugh 1 0-1 2. Totals 27 8-16 65.
By Shalah Ponder Staff Writer An interview with basketball coaches two days before tryouts took place. Here’s what head coach Steve Schmehl had to say about the upcoming season. The Leonid: What can we expect this basketball season? Coach Schmehl: “A lot of the same guys so definitely some experience.” The Leonid: What changes will occur as far as how you manage the team? Coach Schmehl: With more experience comes more maturity, lighten up a little bit, they know what I expect. It just makes things run more smoothly with a group of guys that’s been around. The Leonid: What’s one goal you expect to achieve this year? Coach Schmehl: That we’ll be better than last year, definitely. We want to make the playoffs. Photo by Michael Connors By Ben Otte Junior Editor When compared to the last three years, this is perhaps one of the better boys basketball teams Red Lion has put together. Senior Kevin Hutchinson and junior Michael Fox bring broad presence on the court, leading the team in scoring -- combining for a game average of roughly 28 points. "We're pretty young," says head coach Steve Schmehl, "We're starting to gain a lot of experience. They (the players) are learning." Currently, the team is ranked in the District III AAAA Top 20- something the Red Lion Boys Basketball program hasn't seen for quite a few years. Surely, when a young team is this successful early on, it can only mean they have an even brighter future ahead. Blake Cahill and Evan Miller, also starters for the varsity squad, provide a well-balanced attack. While Miller plays the role of a quick point guard with explosive speed, Cahill’s height advantage opens up more scoring opportunities in the high post. Matt Wanbaugh comes off the bench to stretch the defense and to pull down key rebounds. In addition, young, talented freshmen like Huson, McCreary, and Rebuck, add evident depth and significant contributions as well. With lone senior Hutchinson and plenty of underclassmen to fill the remaining slots in the rotation, it seems that the Lions have a solid lineup that has the ability to play at a high level. "If we play like we're capable of playing, we could compete with anybody." says Michael Fox who points out that a deep run in the postseason is definitely not out of their reach. |
SportsAll the latest right here! Archives
August 2018
Categories
All
|