NEW YORK STATE BASKETBALL: WAVERLY'S TOMASSO EARNS FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE HONORS FOR SECOND TIME; WATSON, PIPHER ALSO RECOGNIZED (2024-04-17)

Valley Sport Report
WAVERLY — Senior Joey Tomasso continues to add to his unparalleled athletic legacy at Waverly High School, Tuesday becoming the first basketball player in school history to earn first-team all-state honors twice.

Tomasso, who was also a two-time first-team (and one-time second-team) selection in football, was named first-team all-state Class B after leading the Wolverines to the program’s first Section IV title since 1998. (Tomasso was a 7th-team selection as a sophomore.)

Junior Xavier Watson was selected to Class B’s 11th team, and senior Jay Pipher earned Honorable Mention kudos.

Tomasso averaged 23.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.6 steals per game this season, while shooting 47.5 percent from the field, including a 38.5 percent clip from behind the 3-point arc. He leaves Waverly the all-time leader in scoring with 1,782 career points, and the all-time 3-point leader with 172.

“Joey’s ability to score at multiple levels — from three, tough 2s, pull up jumpers and at the rim — were the best I’ve ever seen in this area,” said Waverly coach Lou Judson. “Not too mention his uncanny ability to consistently get to the free throw line.

“He dominated opponents with his athleticism, toughness, and his competitive drive,” Judson added.  

Judson notes Tomasso is even more impressive off the court than on.

“Joey was and continues to be a special talent, and for those who really know him see a very humble, smart, and unselfish person, who is thankful and grateful for all of his accomplishments.

“We were very lucky to have witnessed one of the best, if not the best high school sports careers of all-time in our area,” said Judson.

“The best compliment I could give Joey would be: the kids in this area were very luck to have a such great role model who carried himself with dignity and class,” added Judson.

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Watson, a weapon on both ends of the court, averaged 11.4 points, 8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. He shot 53.7 percent from the field, including a 37.9 percent clip from behind the arc, where he knocked down 11 3-pointers. He also had 15 blocked shots.

“Xavier had an outstanding junior season, almost averaging a double/double,” said Judson. “His ability to pass off the dribble or out of the post was extremely impressive.

“His performance in the Sectional Championship game proved how dominant he can be,” noted Judson.

“Xavier has a lot of untapped potential and talent which will be showcased next season.,” he added. “He was very deserving of receiving 11th team all-state.”

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Pipher, a lockdown defender and offensive threat, averaged 7.9 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. He shot 43.9 percent from the field overall, but 45.8 percent from behind the 3-point arc, knocking down 38 3-pointers.

“Jay Pipher quietly improved each season from his sophomore year,” said Judson. “He became one of the best point guards in the area and across the state.

“He was a huge reason for our success over the last few years,” noted Judson. “Jay’s competitiveness, toughness, and energy became contagious. He was one of the best two-way point guards I’ve ever coached.

“Jay was very deserving of receiving Honorable Mention all-state,” he added.