Section IV Hoops: STAC Central – Top Performers
There has been a shift in power this year in the STAC Central which includes Seton Catholic Central, Owego Free Academy, Chenango Forks and Chenango Valley. Chenango Forks finished the regular season 15-3 and holds the number 1 spot in…
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Continue ReadingThere has been a shift in power this year in the STAC Central which includes Seton Catholic Central, Owego Free Academy, Chenango Forks and Chenango Valley. Chenango Forks finished the regular season 15-3 and holds the number 1 spot in the STAC. OFA has had a solid year and sits at 12-5 as they go into the regional playoffs. Chenango Valley sits at 11-8, while Seton Catholic Central holds a 9-9 record following a state championship appearance in last years Class B state tournament, they have moved up to Class A for this season. Here are some of the top players that have been leading their teams to success.
John Bangel John Bangel 6’6″ | PF Owego | 2023 State NY is a 6’6 forward from Owego Free Academy and is in the graduating class of 2023. The argument could be made that John is the top big man in the Section IV, he has continuously gotten better throughout each year of his career at OFA, improving on his athleticism and skill in each off season. Bangel is tough to guard in one on one post up situations, has great touch around the rim and high level footwork to get to his spots, the baby hook over his left shoulder is automatic. Teams have resorted to double teams and fronting the post to respond to Bangel’s dominance on the inside. Also he does a great job positioning himself in the dunker spot as his teammates drive to the paint, he gets off his feet quickly and is a strong jumper off a two foot gather. Bangel can also knock down 3’s off the catch and this has been a huge addition to his overall game. Defensively he is a nightmare for opponents in the Section IV, in the game we watched John had 3 blocks and 6 rebounds in the first quarter of action.
Trevor Warpus
Trevor Warpus
Trevor Warpus is a 6’2 point guard from Chenango Forks High School and is in the graduating class of 2023. Warpus has led his team to a historically successful season, currently sitting in the number 1 ranking for STAC. In the game we watched, Warpus controlled the pace for his squad on offense and seems to be involved in most positive offensive possessions for CF, either scoring himself, assisting to a teammate, or setting a play to put his teammates in a position to score. Warpus plays with emotion but stays in control, knows when it’s time to take over and assert himself onto the game. Good shooter from distance and can knock down 3’s both off of the dribble and off of the catch. Has the ability to drive past single defenders and make good decisions in the paint.
Joe Bangel Joe Bangel 6’6″ | PF Owego | 2023 State NY is a 6’6 forward from Owego Free Academy and is in the graduating class of 2023. Joe shares the backcourt responsibilities for OFA with his brother John and they have been creating matchup nightmares for opponents in Section IV. Joe does a ton of things at a high level, great rebounder, solid passer from the forward position, good shooter from distance, high basketball IQ, always knows time and score while impacting the game in a positive manner. The lefty has made significant strides in the progression of his athleticism and skill. Bangel is deadly from the high post area, able to knock the jumper down if the defender is playing off, or drive right past if playing up. Makes great reads on offense and finds teammates when he is able to draw help side defenders. Bangel can knock down 3’s from the catch as well. Attacks the rim aggressively and is able to finish through contact. Defensively he is able to significantly impact the game, great communicator, uses positioning to help his teammates and has the ability to sit down in stance to defend ball handlers in addition to guarding forwards in the post.
Andrey Lavrinovich
Andrey Lavrinovich
Andrey Lavrinovich is a 6’4 guard from Chenango Forks High School and is in the graduating class of 2023. Long, lanky guard that does a great job at getting out and running lanes in transition when there is a change of possession. Strong finisher in the paint and has the ability to rip through and drive past defenders while finishing through contact. In the game we saw, Lavrinovich knocked down several 3’s from drive and kick scenarios, ability to find the space, set his feet and raise up into his shot. Crafty defender, uses length and positioning to create steals for himself and teammates.
Chase Hanyon
Chase Hanyon
Chase Hanyon is a 6’6 forward from Chenango Valley High School and is in the graduating class of 2023. Hanyon rebounds the basketball well while holding down the interior for his squad, ability to locate the point guard right away and initiate the fast break. Good communicator on defense and identifies cutters and screens for teammates. Offensively he has good touch on the interior, the ability to get off his feet quickly and convert offensive rebounds. Capable shooter from 3 point distance as well as mid range. Hanyon is athletic and puts pressure on the defense by sprinting the floor in transition.
Steven Samsel
Steven Samsel
Steven Samsel is a 6’5 forward from Chenango Forks and is in the graduating class of 2024. Samsel is a tough, scrappy, two way impact player for his first place Chenango Forks team. Rebounds well on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. Has the ability to convert offensive rebounds into put back scores. Can score at all 3 levels by knocking down 3’s, hitting the one dribble pull up’s on fly by closeouts, and by getting all the way to the paint on drives while finishing through contact. Makes good decisions from the high post area, able to knock down the 15 foot jumper or get to the basket in few dribbles. Defensively, Samsel communicates very well and can guard multiple positions.