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| Photo courtesy: Lifetime Photography |
Special to VivaLoudoun
Sterling (Feb. 23, 2011) - While the Potomac Falls High School boys varsity has been impressive this season with just one loss heading into tonight's regional finals, the Panthers JV team this year was even more impressive with over 1,300 points scored and an average of 64 points per game during an unbeaten season.
Kip Shallis, the JV boys coach, knew exactly how to lead the team to their full potential this season:. “All season long, we wanted to win in three essential phases of the game: individual ability, toughness/effort, and execution. If we brought those three qualities daily we would be a very difficult team to beat.”
All 12 JV Panthers had a role, and every role was needed for this team to be successful.
Sophomore Brandon Orbe was considered the glue of the team, a leader.
“This year was a lot of hard work but we pulled through with a successful season. It was an honor to be considered one of the leaders of the team. This year we accomplished a lot and showed that hard work does pay off,” said Orbe.
Starting point guard, sophomore Dshawn Shorts had great playmaking ability and scored over 180 points. He was considered their “one man press breaker”.
“I knew my role as point guard was to be the primary ball handler and lead assist man, and if teams pressed I knew it would play to my advantage to make quick passes and help the team score, “said Shorts.
Assisting Shorts in his many press breaks was sophomore Jordan Ferbrache -- an agile and quick player who created a great deal of defensive pressure. His pressure helped the panthers hold the opposing teams to less than 35 points on average each game.
The opposing teams lack of offense came about because of the Panthers tough man-to-man defense and key rebounders -- sophomores, Steven Tondi, Will Criswell and Chris Barton.
“Rebounding is such an important part of the game because you need it to start the break and prevent the other team from getting second chances at possession. Since most of us are tall we typically dominated the glass,” said Barton.
These Panthers not only thrived with their starting five but were lucky to have a deep bench such as, sophomores Dawson Scholbe, Sean Carney and Corey Leviege. Each of them played hard and well when given the opportunity, assisting in many baskets and double teaming; these players were necessities for Panther success.
Defining talents are never overlooked and this year there was no exception; eighth grader Wanya Allen stood out this season in the Panther basketball program. Allen started on the JV team this year and had the great ability to take over the game. With over 230 points, Allen held his own as the youngest player on the team.
Another noticeable talent was sophomore Michael Fischetti, who started in the fall as varsity quarterback in football and became known this season as the quarterback on the court for the JV boys basketball team.
“Coming into the season after being starting varsity quarterback, I learned a lot about leadership and the importance of communication. So, going into the basketball season I knew I could use my experience from football to help the team,” said Fischetti.
Shooting a 3-pointer is no big deal for sophomore Taylor Flowers. Being one of the top shooters, Flowers lead the team in three-pointers this season.
The JV basketball team dominated the season and earned their 21-0 record through hard work, great coaching and pure athleticism.
“Rarely do you have the pleasure of coaching a team that can dominate a game both physically and mentally. This year’s team demonstrated that rare ability on a daily basis both in practice and in games,” said Shallis.
These players deserve to be proud of themselves, twelve different athletes, each with their own role, all came together this season, to become a team that dominated the AA Dulles District JV basketball program. Next year they will get a shot at continuing the Panthers great varsity tradition.
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