BOYS BASKETBALL: ATHENS' BABCOCK LEADS FOUR VALLEY PLAYERS ON BRADFORD COUNTY ALL-STARS (2021-03-29)

Valley Sports Report
The Bradford County boys' basketball season was on a razor's edge all year - in more way than one.

A Covid-19 shutdown loomed over the two-month season, which was also beset by snow storms. However, despite the two hurdles, it proved to be one of the more exciting seasons in recent memory for both the NTL Divisions.

After coming up just short last year, Troy was able to seal the deal in Division I, claiming its first league title in more than a decade. It was in large part due to Ty Barrett, who averaged 27.1 points per game to lead the league, and even had a 44-point outburst in a playoff game.

He is the Bradford County All-Stars "Player of the Year."

While Wyalusing didn't win a division it, they did claim its first District IV title since 1994. The balanced team leaned on the defense of center Mitchell Burke, whose rebounding and interior play was key to their fortunes. Burke is the "Defensive Player of the Year."

Coach Brent Keyes also did a good job keeping his team prepared, and his adjustments allowed them to pull out close playoff games, making him the "Coach of the Year."

Canton's Isaiah Niemczyk developed into one of the most prolific scorers in the NTL, averaging more than 18 points per game, including two 30-point games near the end of the season to help the Warriors earn a home playoff game. He is the "Offensive Player of the Year."

Despite starting the season 0-3, NEB was able to rally to earn the third seed in the District IV, Class AA playoffs. A large part of that was thanks to newcomer Nick Beers, who spent the majority of his career at North Rome Christian School, but they had their season cancelled due to Covid-19. Beers stepped right in for the Panthers and was a double-double threat every night.

That makes him the "Newcomer of the Year."

The first team consists of Barrett, Beers, Niemczyk, Wyalusing's Graydon Cobb and Isaiah Way, Athens' JJ Babcock and Troy's Mason Imbt.