Thorpe Report

[mlt86]

I attended the Shaler - North Hills hoops game tonight.  It wasn't much of a game, but, it was worth it to watch Geno play.  It is somewhat difficult to really evaluate a kid in a game like this.  Shaler has a pretty good team and North Hills doesn't.  And Geno is far and away the best player on Shaler's team.  I tried to evaluate the skill set and I wasn't disappointed with what I saw.  Shaler runs a very structured offense with Geno as the point guard.  He is very unselfish and lets the game come to him.  He had 2 points in the first quarter and really didn't do much.  Then, wham- a 3-point shot, driving lay-up and 2 straight steals for uncontested dunks.  He is very smooth and always in control.  But, his first step is devastingly quick when he wants to go.  He has a high basketbal IQ - knows where to be on the court, has his head up and knows where his teammates are.  He made several great passes for lay-ups. 

I think Geno is a legit 6-3.  I have heard that JP Holtz is 6-4 and Geno is about 1" shorter.  I believe his style is perfect for the offense that Chambers runs.  His shot isn't the best I have seen, but, is pretty good.  He could use a bit more arc and rotation on his jump shot.  But, it is hard to criticize when he only misssed one shot on the night.  The only negative that I saw is he can be somewhat lethargic on defense.  But, when you are the best player on the court and your team is up 30 in the first half, it happens.  I'm sure Chambers will cure that in the first practice.

Overall, I was very impressed with what I saw.  Can't wait to see him at PSU.  We can only hope he brings a friend or two with him.

[tjb]

Thanks for the info, sounds promising for sure.

[bleedinblue]

A recent interview with Thorpe talking about his team and why he chose Penn State

http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2012/02/03/mr-high-school-sports-inside-the-gym-with-geno-thorpe/

[DJSWay2]

Geno can't get here soon enough

[mlt86]

I don't expect Geno to be a dominant player in college, but, a very solid part of the team.  He really seems to play within a team concept, even though he is the best player on the court. I'm anxious to see how he plays when he isn't the best player and isn't looked upon to carry the team.   I don't think he single handedly will raise Penn St. from the ashes, but, along with other good players will be an important cog.  He seems to have a good outgoing personality and is willing to help recruit.  If he can help land Jeter and Austin, that could be the start of really good things for the program.

[psuw76]

Thorpe with 22 points in WPIAL 1 seed Shaler's 50-47 win over 16 seed McKeesport in the WPIAL AAAA playoffs.

Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/highschool/s_783116.html

Interestingly, in AAAA the 2 through 7 seeds all were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

[rwd5035]

Thorpe with 22 points in WPIAL 1 seed Shaler's 50-47 win over 16 seed McKeesport in the WPIAL AAAA playoffs.

Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/highschool/s_783116.html

Interestingly, in AAAA the 2 through 7 seeds all were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

Are you sure? I'm seeing Butler (who upset Chartiers Valley, 2 seed) has to play 7th seeded North Allegheny in the quarters.

[psuw76]

You are correct, North Allegheny is the 7 seed.

[rwd5035]

Can we confirm that the 3rd through 6th seeds have been eliminated? If that's the case, then Shaler should have a clean route to States.

[eric17]

Can we confirm that the 3rd through 6th seeds have been eliminated? If that's the case, then Shaler should have a clean route to States.

They all lost a few days ago. Even still, Shaler just beat the 16th seed by 3. High school basketball is just like college come playoff time. Nothing is for granted. Survive and advance.

[DJSWay2]

Can we confirm that the 3rd through 6th seeds have been eliminated? If that's the case, then Shaler should have a clean route to States.

They all lost a few days ago. Even still, Shaler just beat the 16th seed by 3. High school basketball is just like college come playoff time. Nothing is for granted. Survive and advance.

Very true. The Cumberland Valley girls (bottom seed ) knocked out District III #1 seed Reading in the opening round.

[psuw76]

In AAAA, remaining seeds are 1 (Shaler), 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. Shaler's side has 1 vs 8 and 12 vs 13.

FYI, AAA remaining seeds are 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.
 
AA remaining seeds are 1, 2 (Beaver Falls), 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13.

A remaining seeds are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10.

[CAPPY]

It's happenin down here in the Harrisburg area too in D3 AAAA, 2, 3, 6, & 7 seeds all already lost.

http://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/tournament/10871/

[Skeeza]

It's happenin down here in the Harrisburg area too in D3 AAAA, 2, 3, 6, & 7 seeds all already lost.

http://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/tournament/10871/

Very true, Cappy.  I was at the Cedar Cliff game last night.  They should have blown the doors off of CD East, but ended up losing.

In case you have not seen it, here is a web-site talking about the most talented hoops players in the Harrisburg area.  I thought they did a good job.

CENTRAL PA BASKETBALL: Players to watch

[DJSWay2]

I don't think many of the local Central PA district 3 area teams have a chance of going very far this year. CD maybe has the best shot if Thomas continues to play at a high level.