Spring is here, which means it’s time to reflect on the 2022-23 high school basketball season, with the annual Times News Basketball All Star Team.

The keystone of this year’s all star squad is consistency, with the first teams in both boys and girls competition, featuring many players that have been constant contributors throughout their careers for their respective programs.

Over the past few seasons, the Marian Fillies have served as one of the most consistent and competitive teams in the TN area, winning back-to-back district titles and advancing to the second round of states in consecutive seasons. The Fillies are deservingly well-represented on this season’s all star team with one player on the first team and two players on the second team. In total, seven TN area girls teams made the district playoffs, with Marian, Northwestern, Northern Lehigh, Palmerton and Weatherly all qualifying for the state tournament.

In boys’ basketball, Palmerton led the way with a 20-8 record and put together a strong showing in the postseason, defeating Panther Valley in the district quarterfinals and Notre Dame Green Pond in the consolation match-up to qualify for the state bracket. The Bombers are represented by a host of players on this season’s all star team, including two first team selections. Four TN area boys teams qualified for the district playoffs this season.

GIRLS

Paige Sevrain, Northwestern

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

… Because of her strong senior season in the paint and helping lead Northwestern to its third straight Colonial League championship, Paige Sevrain was named this season’s Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

ALL-TIME SCORER

… Sevrain was able to become the Tigers all-time leading scorer during the district playoffs, passing 2013 graduate Sara Jones. Sevrain finished her career with 1,258 points.

ON THE GLASS

… Sevrain has been good on the boards throughout her career for Northwestern, and was once again an effective rebounder this season, averaging 7.5 rebounds per game. Her ability to rebound also got her to the foul line 88 times, where she shot an impressive 76 percent.

COACH SPEAK

… “When Paige was young, we saw that there was something special about her as a player. We believed the sky was the limit for her, and then she became our all-time leading scorer, and really she could have scored more, but she was selfless and gave up shots to get other players involved. Even when we wanted her to be more selfish at times offensively, she still was always looking to share the ball.” - Northwestern head coach Chris Deutsch.

Maddison Maynard, Panther Vy.

SCORING MACHINE

… Nobody put the ball in the basket as frequently as Maynard did this season throughout the Times News area. The junior, which was double-teamed on most nights led the Schuylkill League in scoring, averaging 22.6 points per game.

BIG GAMES

… Maynard had some big time scoring games during the season. She scored 20 or more points in 16 games and 30 or more points in six games. Her season high of 37 points came in the Panthers district playoff match-up with Northern Lehigh. Maynard averaged 30.4 points per game over the last five games of Panther Valley’s season.

VERSATILE

… Maynard not only could score the rock, she was also impactful in many other categories. Maynard averaged 8.2 rebounds per game, 4.1 steals per game and 3.2 assists per game.

COACH SPEAK

… “Maddison had a great year for us and led us in almost every statistical category. She just stuffs the stat sheet and is a great scorer. She always has a ball in her hands and puts the work in during the off-season. She also really emerged as a leader this season and it became her team this year, which was great to see. We’re really excited to she what she does next season.” - Panther Valley head coach Rob Kovac.

Aubrey Pollard, No. Lehigh

BACK IN BLUE

… Pollard returned to Northern Lehigh this season after a year at Executive Education and was a force throughout the season for the Bulldogs. Pollard led the team in scoring, averaging 17.08 points per game.

POSTSEASON RUN

… Pollard helped the Bulldogs advance to the state tournament with Northern Lehigh earning district playoff wins over Panther Valley and Minersville. The junior was impressive during the district playoffs, averaging 28 points per game.

DOUBLE-DOUBLE

… There arguably wasn’t a better rebounder in the Colonial League this season than Pollard, who pulled down 11.4 rebounds per game.

COACH SPEAK

…”Aubrey is a tough player and a great competitor. She led the team in rebounds and scoring. She was one of the keys for the success we had this past season and we are excited to see what she can accomplish next season in her senior year.” - Northern Lehigh head coach Chris Heery.

Bethie Morgan, Palmerton

RECORD BOOKS

… Morgan has been as steady as they come for Palmerton in her career, scoring consistently each and every season since she burst onto the scene as a freshman, averaging 12.61 points per game that season. The senior became the 12thplayer in girls’ program history for the Bombers to surpass the 1,000-point mark, which she accomplished back on January 17.

FLOOR GENERAL

… The Bombers offense started and stopped with Morgan, and she led her team in scoring this season, averaging 15.12 points per game, but she also made an impact in many other important categories. Morgan was a force on the boards, pulling down 5.6 rebounds per game and on the defensive end she was very active, averaging 2.4 steals per game.

FOLLOW THROUGH

… Not many point guards can shoot it like Morgan. Morgan’s mid-range game has been a staple of her scoring over the years, and she hit 25 three-pointers and 74 free throws this season. Morgan hit 84 three-pointers in her career.

COACH SPEAK

…”Bethie has been a leader for us ever since she stepped on the court four years ago. She is a dynamic player that can do some much and is very versatile, whether she is driving to the basket or even posting up. She is the best all-around basketball player that I have coached here in my five years at Palmerton.” - Palmerton head coach Dan Beck.

Carly Minchhoff, Marian

LEADER

… Minchhoff led a balanced Fillies offensive attack this season with an average of 12.2 points per game. The junior did so, with an effective inside/outside game with 89 two-point field goals and 23 three-point field goals made.

ALL-AROUND

… Minchhoff is a true jack-of-all-trades type of player that showcased her versatility nightly. Minchhoff was able to defend players in the post as well as out on the perimeter. She averaged 6.4 rebounds per game and 2.74 steals per game.

PERCENTAGES

… Minchhoff was one of the most efficient scorers in the Times News area this season. She shot 51 percent on two-point shot attempts, 36 percent from beyond the arc and 76 percent from the free throw line.

COACH SPEAK

…”Carly is well deserving of this recognition. She works hard and puts the time in and is committed to getting better. She was our most consistent player all season long and was playing her best basketball late in the season when we were having success in the postseason. It’s no shock to anyone that knows how hard she works that she is one of the top players in our area.” - Marian head coach Damian Fritz.

Mackenzie Yuhas, Jim Thorpe

BIG YEAR

… Yuhas put together a strong senior season campaign, scoring 362 points, averaging 15.7 points per game.

BATTLING

… Yuhas, which plays on the perimeter can also play in the paint with her 5-10 frame, and did a good job of mixing it up with post players in the paint, Yuhas was relentless at battling opponents on the boards. She averaged an impressive three offensive rebounds per game and a total of nine rebounds per game overall.

OPEN COURT

… Yuhas was a terror in the open court and was at her best when she could get out in transition. The senior had 129 two-point field goals, which was aided by her ability to create turnovers. Yuhas averaged an impressive 3.4 steals per game.

COACH SPEAK

… “Mackenzie has had an outstanding four years here at jim Thorpe. This season she was really able to showcase all of her game, and at times played all five positions on the court for us. But more than points, steals and rebounds, it will be her leadership we will miss most of all.” - Jim Thorpe head coach Nadia Gauronsky.

SECOND TEAM

Frankie Martinelli, Marian

Hannah Barry, Palmerton

Cara Thomas, Northwestern

Fatikha Tikhtova, Marian

Katelyn Barthold, Northern Lehigh

Brook Balliet, Northwestern

HONORABLE MENTION

Sera Robin, Panther Valley

Morgan Orsulak, Panther Valley

Gabby Cinicola, Jim Thorpe

Kerrigan Digris, Marian

Ashley Pleban, Marian

Aryn Stivala, Pleasant Valley

Ella Muir, Pleasant Valley

Bethany Houser, Weatherly

Emma Repsher, Lehighton

Olivia Serfass, Lehighton

Charli McHugh, Lehighton

Lorelei Plasha, Tamaqua

BOYS

Brayden Hosier, Palmerton

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

… Hosier earned this season’s Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Boys Basketball Player of the Year by putting together a great junior season. Hosier scored 478 points for an area best 17.1 points per game.

SPREADING THE WEALTH

… Hosier’s scoring prowess from his point guard position is impressive, but he was not just a shot-maker, as he did his job from the point, getting his other teammates involved. Hosier averaged almost four assists per game.

CLOSING IN

… Hosier was really good down the stretch for the Bombers, scoring 32 points in Palmerton’s District 11 quarterfinal win and 27 in its consolation victory that helped it qualify for the state tournament. Hosier is closing in on the 1,000-point mark as he has currently has tallied 876 points.

COACH SPEAK

… “Brayden just loves the game of basketball. He has such a great passion for his town, his school and his friends and you can see that the way he plays the game. We’re lucky to have a young man like Brayden in our program and I’m excited to see him get even better and grow, and I’m excited to see what he is going to accomplish next season.” – Palmerton head coach Ken Termini.

Matt Machalik, Palmerton

KEPT IT GOING

… Coming off a football season where he was named the Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Football Player of the Year, Machalik kept the momentum going right into basketball season. The junior proved once again he was one of the best basketball players in the area, averaging an impressive 16.4 points per game for Palmerton.

STAT LINE

… Machalik’s stat line on the season was notable to say the least. Machalik averaged 6.6 rebounds per game, 2.4 assists per game and 2.6 steals per game.

MILESTONE

… Machalik became the most recent 1,000-point scorer in Palmerton boys’ basketball history, surpassing the mark in the Bombers District 11 quarterfinal victory. Machalik scored 489 points this season and currently has 1,048 points in his career.

COACH SPEAK

… “Matt had a milestone season, surpassing 1,000 career points in our district playoff win against Panther Valley. He is humble, talented, and a true leader, and he’s also athletic as heck, and one of the most athletic guys I’ve ever coached. He doesn’t care if he scores 30 or 13 as long as we get the win.” - Palmerton head coach Ken Termini.

Jarod Moore, Pleasant Vy.

TURN AROUND

… Moore helped the Bears score double digit wins for the first time in a long time from his guard spot. The senior led PV in scoring with 16.9 points per game, which was also good enough for second in the Times News area. Moore also distributed the ball well on the year, averaging 3.1 assists per game.

DOUBLE-DOUBLE

… Averaging a double-double, especially in today’s style of the game is not easy to come by, but Moore’s motor in the rebounding department was tough to match. Moore pulled down 10.6 rebounds per game for the Bears this season.

EARLY SEASON

… Moore showed early on in the season what kind of year he was going to have in a big win over eventual District 11 1A champ Notre Dame East Stroudsburg on Dec. 19, where he scored 21 points and added nine rebounds.

COACH SPEAK

… “Jarod has been an integral part of our team for three seasons. This year, he took his game to a new level, averaging a double-double and assuming whatever role the team needed to be successful. Jarod played point guard through center for us when we faced injuries, illness, etc. Jarod was always able to put the team on his back and lead us both on and off the court.” - Pleasant Valley head coach Robert Hahn.

Frank Valente, Marian

SCORING STAMPEDE

… Valente led the Colts this season in scoring, averaging 16.7 points per game. He scored 324 points this season and finished his Colts career with an exceptional 833 total points.

TARGET ACQUIRED

… Valente was a constant threat from beyond the arc for the Colts. The senior hit 39 three-pointers at an impressive 39 percent.

ALL-AROUND

… Valente wasn’t just a scorer for Marian, he made an all-around effect on the court. Valente was second on the team in rebounding, averaging five rebounds per game, and had a nice defensive season as well, coming up with two steals per game.

COACH SPEAK

… “Frank had an excellent senior season. He played with such a relentless pace and motor, and with versatility, which I think really sets him apart from most players. Not many players can maintain or match the pace that Frank plays with.” – Marian head coach Scott Murphy.

Chase Weaver, Panther Vy.

ON A STRING

… Weaver served as the life blood of the Panthers squad this season and their offense started with the junior point guard’s strong ball handing ability. Weaver averaged 11.2 points per game and 4.4 assists per game and four rebounds per game. Weaver shot an impressive 83 percent from the foul line on 87 attempts.

SLASHER

… Weaver was at his best when driving to the bucket, and he had an exceptional capability to knife his way through defenses. Weaver scored 60 two-point field goals and was also effective from three-point range, hitting 22 three-pointers.

APPROACHING

… Weaver has been one of the more dependable scorers in the Times News area over the past three seasons. Weaver scored 258 points this season and will be going into his senior season with 726 points.

COACH SPEAK

… “Chase has been our quarterback for the last three years and every year he’s added more to his game. He does a great job of breaking down defenders-and can do so going right or left. He does a nice job of finding our shooters when defenses collapse, and he finishes strong around the rim. We’re excited for his senior season.” - Panther Valley head coach Pat Crampsie.

Kaiden Herron, Jim Thorpe

GETTING HOT

… Herron led the Olympians in scoring this season with 14.64 points per game and after a rough team start, Thorpe was getting hot, winning 5-of-6 including a big win over Blue Mountain on Jan. 5. Unfortunately, in that game Herron suffered a season-ending knee injury.

STAT STUFFER

… A TN first team selection a season ago, Herron was once again on pace for a fantastic season. Besides leading the team in scoring, Herron averaged six rebounds per game, two assists per game and 1.2 steals per game.

CAREER

… Herron undoubtedly had a bad break with his injury this season and was on pace to surpass the 1,000-point mark. Herron put together an exceptional career for the Olympians, as he finished with 845 points.

COACH SPEAK

… “Kaiden was off to a great start in his senior season, averaging 14.6 points per game and six rebounds per game. He scored 18 points in the first half in our big win over Blue Mountain and then an unfortunate knee injury ended his season in that game. Kaiden is a four-year varsity player, who worked hard year-round to develop into one of the best players in the Schuylkill league.” - Jim Thorpe head coach Jason McElmoyle.

SECOND TEAM

Stephen Hood, Panther Valley

Connor Dillon, Tamaqua

Julius Currie, Marian

Noah Rosahac, Jim Thorpe

Andrew Warner, Jim Thorpe

Cayden Fitch, Northwestern

HONORABLE MENTION

Gavin Nelson, Northwestern

Noah Mateyak, Tamaqua

Cole Dietz, Lehighton

Joe Roth, Lehighton

Kendall Robinson, Palmerton

Chase Reph, Palmerton

Drew Kokinda, Panther Valley

Ian McLaurin, Weatherly

Patrick Moore, Pleasant Valley

Jesse Rodino, Marian

Connor Simms, Northern Lehigh