Berlin Brothersvalley's 2022-23 team leaves lasting legacy

HERSHEY -- Despite its 81-64 loss to Imani Christian in the PIAA Class 1A boys basketball championship on Thursday at the Giant Center in Hershey, Berlin Brothersvalley showcased its skill, grit and determination on the grandest stage.

The senior class at Berlin was a part of 99 wins, two PIAA Class 1A runner-up finishes and four straight District 5 championships.

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Ryan Blubaugh, Holby McClucas, Caden Montgomery and Caleb Rohrs were integral pieces of Berlin's success. They are what the underclassmen and future Mountaineers should look to become for years to come.

"Those guys are the heart and soul of what we do," said Berlin coach Tanner Prosser of his seniors. "They fought and they've been leaders for us, so I'm very, very thankful, and boy, are they going to be missed."

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Blubaugh surpassed 1,000 career points this season and finished with 1,081. He brought his game to an entirely new level this season, taking on an even more prominent role in the scoring department.

"I think we fought until the end. We put in a whole bunch of work leading up to this, playing with each other," Blubaugh said fighting back tears. "I'd give anything for these guys."

Having been on the floor in both state title games and playing such a big part in four District 5 crowns, Blubaugh will have plenty of great memories to look back on.

"Looking back on it, I'll be able to think not a lot of people have been able to do what I've been able to do," he said. "I've just been blessed to have great coaching and teammates to help me through all of it."

Individual accolades are great, but Blubaugh was quick to say what he will remember most about his four years as a Mountaineer.

"Definitely our two trips here (Hershey)," he said. "A thousand points is great, but doesn't really matter. These two trips here, everyone will remember forever and ever."

Junior Pace Prosser led Berlin all season long. He surpassed 1,000 career points this season. With his game-high 23 in the state title game, he now has 1,489 for his career.

He understands that success comes from the team surrounding him and the tight-knit bond of the Mountaineers.

"This group of guys, we play hard. We play hard every day," Pace Prosser said. "We aren't going to back down from anybody. We're not scared of anybody. We'll play anybody, any day, anywhere."

Berlin will play its style of ball against anyone. Having four other players on the floor along with some bench players to rely on and trust has made the Mountaineers very successful.

"Special group," Pace Prosser said. "Everybody does their job. That group of seniors over there, probably one of the most successful groups ever to come through Berlin. It just sucks to have it end this way."

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on Twitter @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Berlin Brothersvalley backed down from no one en route to PIAA silver