Prosser, Adams selected to Pa. Sports Writers All-State Boys Basketball Team
Two Somerset County athletes collected all-state accolades when the Pa. Sports Writers Class 1A All-State Boys Basketball Team was released on Tuesday.
Berlin Brothersvalley sophomore Pace Prosser and Shanksville-Stonycreek senior Braden Adams earned second-team selections.
In his first year as a starter, Prosser erupted onto the scene, building on his breakout freshman season to garner this achievement.
"It is a great honor," said Prosser. "Most of the credit goes to my teammates. I can't do anything without them."
Prosser was one of only two returning players who saw action from Berlin's state runner-up team. He led the Mountaineers (17-8) with 521 points, 188 rebounds, and 150 assists. Prosser averaged 20.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 6 assists per game.
He set the tone for Berlin in its run to a third straight District 5 Class 1A championship. Prosser scored 28 points, including six 3-pointers against the Indians in the title game.
"This was a fun year," Prosser said. "My teammates helped me grow. The younger guys stepped up. The guys from last year showed us what it's all about. Everyone stepped up in some way this year."
All-StarsMeet the 2022 Daily American Somerset County Boys Basketball All-Stars
Meanwhile, Adams earned his first all-state nod, donning his second different school jersey of the season.
Adams, a Shade student-athlete who competed in a co-op at Shanksville, led the Vikings in several major statistical categories. He tallied 557 points, 239 rebounds and 65 steals. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 21.4 points per game and 9.2 rebounds per contest. He was also second on the team with 66 assists. Adams helped the Vikings advance to the District 5 Class 1A semis.
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"I am very honored," Adams, who went over 1,000 career points this season, said. "For my last couple years at Shade, playing with Vince (Fyock), Kaden (Koleszarik) and Brady (Fyfe) who have all earned this accomplishment themselves, for it to finally be me, it feels really special to be a part of what they have all done.
"I can't thank my teammates from this year, the years prior, my coach this year (Matt Long), and especially Coach (Wade) Fyock for pushing me every day to do my best as well as my parents. ... I would not be where I am today without their support."
It was a whirlwind of a year for Adams. In the fall, he played football for Conemaugh Township because of a newly established co-op between the Panthers and Indians. He went on to join the Vikings in the winter for basketball. He made the most of both opportunities.
"It was a very crazy senior year to say the least," Adams said. "Each team, both football and basketball, they welcomed us in from the start. People might think that we weren't going to get along because of the rivalry, but we are friends from years past. As the season went on, the chemistry grew from game to game, and it was great."
Pennsylvania Sports Writers Boys' Basketball Team
Class 1A
First Team
Davion Hill, 6-1, junior, St. John Neumann Regional Academy
Marquis Ratcliff, 6-6, senior, Nativity BVM
Vinnie Cugini, 6-2, junior, Aquinas Academy
Jaden Gales, 6-6, senior, Bishop Canevin
Kevaughn Price, 6-2, senior, Bishop Canevin
Hanief Clay, 5-9, senior, St. John Neumann Regional Academy
Second Team
Lambert Palmer, 6-1, senior, Williamsburg
Pace Prosser, 6-0, sophomore, Berlin Brothersvalley
Alec Srock, 6-2, senior, DuBois Central Catholic
Evan Dumaine, 6-3, junior, Mount Calvary Christian
Matt Stanley, 5-10, junior, Union
Braden Adams, 6-2, senior, Shanksville-Stoneycreek
Third Team
Grant Landis, 6-1, senior, Lancaster Country Day
Cody Miller, 6-2, senior, Nativity BVM
Xavier Spears, 6-10, sophomore, Notre Dame (East Stroudsburg)
Charlie Breindel, 6-0, senior, Elk County Catholic
Avery Kopcha, 5-11, sophomore, Mount Calvary Christian
Lamont Samuels, 5-9, junior, Farrell
Player of the Year — Davion Hill, St. John Neumann Regional Academy
Coach of the Year — Gino Palmosina, Bishop Canevin
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.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Berlin's Prosser, Shanksville's Adams earn all-state basketball honors
